Topical Bible: Gates: Guards At

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In biblical times, city gates were not merely passageways but served as critical points of defense, commerce, and social interaction. The presence of guards at these gates was essential for maintaining security, order, and the administration of justice. The role of gatekeepers and guards is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their importance in the life and governance of ancient Israel.

Role and Function

Guards at the gates were responsible for controlling access to the city, ensuring that only those with legitimate business could enter. This was crucial for protecting the inhabitants from potential threats, including enemy attacks, thieves, and other dangers. The guards also played a role in maintaining public order and could be involved in the enforcement of laws and regulations.

In 2 Samuel 18:24-26, we see an example of a watchman stationed at the city gate, tasked with observing and reporting any approaching individuals: "Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gate by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone. So he called out and told the king. 'If he is alone,' the king replied, 'he bears good news.' As the man drew nearer, the watchman saw another man running, and he called out to the gatekeeper, 'Look, another man is running alone!' 'This one also brings good news,' said the king."

Spiritual and Symbolic Significance

The presence of guards at the gates also carries spiritual and symbolic significance. Gates often represent points of decision and transition, and the guards symbolize vigilance and discernment. In a spiritual sense, believers are called to guard their hearts and minds, much like the physical guards at the gates, to protect against spiritual threats and to maintain purity and righteousness.

Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This metaphorical guarding reflects the vigilance required to maintain one's spiritual integrity.

Historical Context

In the historical context of ancient Israel, the gates were central to the life of the city. They were places where legal matters were settled, as seen in the account of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:1-11), where Boaz goes to the town gate to settle the matter of redeeming Ruth. The elders and witnesses gathered at the gate to observe and validate the transaction, underscoring the gate's role as a place of legal and civic importance.

Military Importance

From a military perspective, the gates were often the first line of defense against invaders. The strength and security of a city's gates were crucial in determining its ability to withstand sieges and attacks. In 2 Chronicles 8:5, Solomon is noted for fortifying the cities of Upper Beth Horon and Lower Beth Horon, "with walls and with gates and bars," emphasizing the strategic importance of well-guarded gates.

Conclusion

The guards at the gates in biblical times were vital for the protection and functioning of the city. Their presence ensured security, facilitated commerce, and upheld justice. The spiritual lessons drawn from their role continue to resonate, reminding believers of the importance of vigilance and discernment in their spiritual lives.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 7:17
And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people stepped on him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spoke when the king came down to him.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 13:19,22
And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.
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Library

When the Banks were Completed and the Battering Rams Brought, and ...
... to him Ananus, who came from Emmaus, the most bloody of all Simon's guards, and
Archelaus ... And now the soldiers had already put fire to the gates, and the silver ...
/.../chapter 4 when the banks.htm

Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... to Judah, and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's park, that he may give
me timber to make beams for the gates of the castle which guards the temple ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/nehemiahs answer to a call.htm

Peter's Deliverance from Prison
... and elaborate preparations"'four quaternions of soldiers'" four times four is
sixteen"sixteen soldiers, two chains, three gates with guards at each of ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/peters deliverance from prison.htm

Gainas the Goth Attempts to Usurp the Sovereign Power; after ...
... Thus one day after the guards of the gates had been killed, the Romans attacked
the barbarians within the walls near the church of the Goths"for thither such ...
/.../chapter vi gainas the goth attempts.htm

How the Romans Carried their Ensigns to the Temple, and Made ...
... famine came down, and when they were brought to Titus by the guards, they begged ...
western side of the outer [court of the] temple; for there were gates on that ...
/.../chapter 6 how the romans.htm

Jesus on Mount Golgotha.
... The fall was a dreadful one, but the guards only struck him the harder to force ... at
the pool of Bethsaida, and there were likewise many towns with five gates. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxxvi jesus on mount.htm

Sabbath Observance
... Then Nehemiah took practical measures by shutting the city gates on the eve of the ...
slip out and do a little business, if they could manage to elude the guards. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sabbath observance.htm

The Idumeans Being Sent for by the Zealots, came Immediately to ...
... arms, and after that to fall into the midst of the city, and publicly open the gates
to those that came to their assistance; as supposing the guards would be ...
/.../chapter 4 the idumeans being.htm

The Riot
... The little band of soldiers still stood before the gates. ... of the brief respite to
escape by a back way, and ride off to summon a detachment of guards, who were ...
/.../gathering clouds a tale of the days of st chrysostom/chapter ii the riot.htm

The Tomb of the Pharaoh
... gateway of granite. But there was no vigilance of guards. Whosoever knew
how to open the gates might enter the valley. The secret ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxiii the tomb of.htm