Topical Bible: Gates of Cities

Bible > Topical > Gates of Cities

◄ Gates of Cities ►

Jump to: Nave's • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the gates of cities held significant importance both practically and symbolically. They were not merely entry and exit points but served as central locations for various civic, social, and judicial activities. The gates were often fortified structures, providing defense against invaders and controlling access to the city.

Biblical References and Functions

1. Judicial and Civic Center: The city gates were the place where legal matters were settled and justice was administered. Elders and judges would sit at the gates to hear disputes and make decisions. In the Book of Ruth, Boaz goes to the city gate to settle the matter of redeeming Ruth (Ruth 4:1-11). Similarly, in Deuteronomy 21:19, parents bring a rebellious son to the elders at the city gate for judgment.

2. Marketplace and Social Hub: The gates also functioned as a marketplace where merchants conducted business. In 2 Kings 7:1, the prophet Elisha prophesies about the abundance of food that will be sold at the gate of Samaria. The gates were bustling with activity, serving as a meeting place for the community.

3. Symbol of Authority and Power: The gates symbolized the strength and authority of a city. In ancient warfare, capturing the gates was equivalent to capturing the city itself. In Judges 16:3, Samson demonstrates his strength by uprooting the gates of Gaza, symbolizing a significant blow to the Philistines.

4. Place of Prophetic Pronouncements: Prophets often delivered messages at the city gates, addressing the leaders and the people. Jeremiah was instructed to stand at the gate of the Lord’s house and proclaim God’s message (Jeremiah 7:2). The gates provided a platform for public discourse and the dissemination of divine warnings.

5. Spiritual and Eschatological Significance: In a spiritual sense, gates represent access to divine presence and blessings. Psalm 24:7-9 speaks of the "gates" lifting up their heads for the King of Glory to enter, symbolizing the welcoming of God's presence. In the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem, the gates are described as being made of pearls, signifying beauty and eternal security (Revelation 21:21).

Construction and Design

The construction of city gates varied, but they were typically robust and strategically designed for defense. Gates were often flanked by towers and included chambers or rooms where officials could conduct business. Archaeological findings, such as those at the ancient city of Megiddo, reveal complex gate structures with multiple chambers and fortified walls.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, city gates were integral to urban life. They were not only defensive structures but also facilitated trade, communication, and governance. The gates were often adorned with inscriptions or reliefs that conveyed the city's identity and values.

Theological Implications

Theologically, city gates in the Bible underscore themes of justice, community, and divine sovereignty. They remind believers of the importance of righteous judgment, communal responsibility, and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of humanity. The imagery of gates in Scripture invites reflection on the openness to God's presence and the protection He provides to His people.

In summary, the gates of cities in biblical times were multifaceted in function and rich in symbolic meaning, serving as vital centers for legal, social, and spiritual activities.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 3:5
All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 6:26
And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that rises up and builds this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 23:7
And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God has delivered him into my hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that has gates and bars.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 18:24
And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate to the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 8:5
Also he built Bethhoron the upper, and Bethhoron the nether, fenced cities, with walls, gates, and bars;
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew

8189. Shaarayim -- two cities in Isr.
... Word Origin from the same as shaar Definition two cities in Isr. NASB Word Usage
maid (2), Shaaraim (3). Shaaraim. Dual of sha'ar; double gates; Shaarajim, a ...
/hebrew/8189.htm - 6k

8179. shaar -- a gate
... NASB Word Usage cities (2), city (2), court (2), courts (1), each gate (1), every
gate (1), every gate (1), Gate (49), gate (195), gatekeepers* (1), gates (88 ...
/hebrew/8179.htm - 6k

Library

How, I Ask, Can You, Seeing that Your Commentaries Contain Such ...
... spirits and wives into men, were it not that he had put them forward as if he wished
them to be inserted in brazen letters on the gates of cities, and recited ...
/.../24 how i ask can.htm

The Song of Two Cities
... salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.2. Open ye the gates, that the ...
First, the song sets in sharp contrast the two cities, describing, in verses 1 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the song of two cities.htm

Every Sin --Every False Doctrine is a "Gate of Hades. "
... And this also we must know that as the gates of cities have each their own names,
in the same way the gates of Hades might be named after the species of sins ...
/.../12 every sinevery false doctrine.htm

Six Cities
... It is of these six cities here mentioned, I am now going to speak. ... Before we enter
their gates, I should like again to repeat the verse of the precious hymn ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

That the Gentiles Should Rather Believe in Christ.
... whose right hand I hold, that the nations may hear Him; and I will break asunder
the strength of kings, I will open before Him gates; and cities shall not be ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/21 that the gentiles should.htm

How Pompey when the Citizens of Jerusalem Shut their Gates against ...
... to Pompey; but Aristobulus's party exhorted them to shut the gates, because he ... made
Jerusalem tributary to the Romans, and took away those cities of Celesyria ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how pompey when.htm

Now Herod and Philip Built Several Cities in Honor of Caesar. ...
... CHAPTER 2. Now Herod And Philip Built Several Cities In Honor Of Caesar ... call the
Passover, it was customary for the priests to open the temple-gates just after ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 now herod and.htm

The Question Whether Christ be Come Taken Up.
... In all which places the name of the Christ who is already come reigns, as of Him
before whom the gates of all cities have been opened, and to whom none are ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter vii the question whether christ.htm

Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the ...
... Yet did he recover these cities without war; and when he had routed those four ... by
a stratagem; and in the first place he ordered the gates of Taricheae to be ...
/.../chapter 21 concerning john of.htm

The "Little Knife" Insurrection
... Old gates have been repaired and many new gates have been built. ... The people
always collect together in villages or towns or cities. ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vi the little knife insurrection.htm