Topical Bible: Gates: Double Doors

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, gates served as critical components of city fortifications, temple complexes, and royal palaces. They were not merely functional but also held significant symbolic and ceremonial importance. The concept of "double doors" in gates is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often highlighting themes of protection, authority, and divine intervention.

Architectural Significance

Double doors in ancient gates were typically large, sturdy, and often made of wood reinforced with metal. These gates were designed to withstand sieges and control access to the city or complex. The double doors allowed for greater security and facilitated the movement of large groups of people or goods. In some instances, they were adorned with intricate carvings or metalwork, reflecting the wealth and status of the city or institution they protected.

Biblical References

One of the most notable references to double doors is found in the book of Isaiah, where God promises to Cyrus, the Persian king, that He will "open doors before him, and the gates will not be shut" (Isaiah 45:1). This passage underscores the divine authority and providence in granting access and victory, symbolized by the opening of gates.

In the context of the Temple, the gates held particular significance. The Temple gates, including the double doors, were not only physical barriers but also represented the threshold between the sacred and the profane. The Psalmist speaks of entering the gates with thanksgiving and praise, indicating a transition into a holy space (Psalm 100:4).

Symbolic Meaning

Gates, especially those with double doors, often symbolize transition and access in the Bible. They represent the movement from one realm to another, whether it be from the secular to the sacred, from captivity to freedom, or from death to life. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the "gate" for the sheep, emphasizing His role as the sole means of access to salvation and eternal life (John 10:7).

The imagery of gates also appears in eschatological contexts. In the book of Revelation, the New Jerusalem is described as having twelve gates, each made of a single pearl, signifying the perfection and beauty of God's eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:21). These gates are never shut, reflecting the perpetual openness and inclusivity of God's presence.

Cultural and Ceremonial Roles

In ancient Israelite society, city gates were more than just entry points; they were centers of communal life and justice. Elders would sit at the gates to render judgments and conduct business (Ruth 4:1-2). The double doors of these gates would open to welcome dignitaries and close to protect the inhabitants from external threats.

The ceremonial opening of gates is also a recurring theme in biblical narratives. For instance, the triumphant entry of a king or the return of the Ark of the Covenant would be marked by the opening of the city gates, symbolizing divine favor and blessing.

Conclusion

The concept of gates with double doors in the Bible is rich with architectural, symbolic, and cultural significance. They serve as powerful metaphors for divine protection, authority, and the transition between different states of being. Whether in the context of ancient fortifications or spiritual teachings, these gates continue to resonate as symbols of God's providence and the promise of access to His presence.

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Isaiah 45:1
Thus said the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
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Ezekiel 41:24
And the doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves; two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other door.
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Library

A Description of the Temple.
... such foundations; for all the cloisters were double, and the ... 3. Now nine of these
gates were on every side ... silver, as were the jambs of their doors and their ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of 2.htm

The Secret of Tranquillity
... lift up thy gates: open and raise the narrow, low portals, and the King of Glory ...
joy in God, and trust in His guidance"open for us the double doors of 'the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the secret of tranquillity.htm

Delivered from Prison
... from prison, Herod on this occasion had taken double precautions ... confined in a
rock-hewn cell, the doors of which ... The strong gates that shut in the saint of God ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 15 delivered from prison.htm

How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ...
... The temple had doors also at the entrance, and lintels ... also, having, on the east
quarter, a double cloister, of ... This cloister looked to the gates of the temple ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how herod rebuilt.htm

Of the Building of this Temple
... cloisters; this was entered into by very high gates, each of ... this also with a building
of a double row of ... such high roofs; but he made all the doors of this ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

From the Talmud and Hebraica
... Rekam, and that double. Inquiry is made, Whether the doubling it in the Maps
is well done. ... Chapter 32 The Gates and Doors on the North Side. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... Almost unmoved he had witnessed the portent of the opening of the Temple-doors by
an ... Within the gates ran all around covered double colonnades, with ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

Beauty for Ashes
... and if he can break open prison doors, and set ... which may accompany us even to heaven's
gates, and we ... and if you are a little one, and have double sorrows, you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/beauty for ashes.htm

Visions of Future Glory
... My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee ... is pardoned:
for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all ... And thy gates Praise ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm

The Earthquake.
... of light, when their terror was reawakened with double force by ... there was a general
rush to the gates of the ... The doors of the sanctuary flew open of themselves ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlvi the earthquake.htm