Topical Bible: Jerusalem: East Gate

◄ Jerusalem: East Gate ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The East Gate of Jerusalem, often referred to as the Golden Gate or the Beautiful Gate, holds significant historical, prophetic, and theological importance within the biblical narrative. This gate is one of the most prominent of the gates surrounding the ancient city of Jerusalem and is particularly noted for its eschatological implications.

Biblical References and Historical Context

The East Gate is mentioned in several key biblical passages. In the Book of Ezekiel, the prophet describes a vision of the glory of the Lord entering the temple through the east gate: "Then the glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east" (Ezekiel 43:4). This passage underscores the gate's association with divine presence and future restoration.

In the New Testament, the East Gate is traditionally identified with the gate called Beautiful, where Peter and John healed a lame man: "Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those entering the temple courts" (Acts 3:2). This event highlights the gate as a place of miraculous encounters and divine intervention.

Prophetic Significance

The East Gate is deeply embedded in Jewish and Christian eschatology. According to Jewish tradition, the Messiah will enter Jerusalem through this gate. This belief is rooted in passages like Ezekiel 44:1-3, where the gate is described as being shut because the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered through it. The anticipation of the Messiah's arrival through the East Gate is a theme that resonates with the hope of future redemption and restoration.

In Christian eschatology, the East Gate is often associated with the Second Coming of Christ. The expectation is that Jesus will return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, entering through the East Gate, fulfilling the prophetic visions of His triumphant return.

Theological Implications

The East Gate symbolizes access to the divine and the fulfillment of God's promises. It represents the intersection of heaven and earth, where God's glory is revealed and His purposes are accomplished. The gate's closure, as described in Ezekiel, signifies the sanctity and exclusivity of God's presence, while its anticipated opening heralds the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom.

Current Status and Archaeological Insights

Today, the East Gate remains sealed, a condition that has persisted since the medieval period. The current structure, dating back to the Ottoman period, is built upon earlier foundations. Archaeological studies suggest that the gate's location aligns with the ancient city walls, providing a tangible link to its biblical past.

The sealed state of the East Gate continues to evoke interest and speculation, serving as a powerful symbol of prophetic fulfillment and divine mystery. Its enduring presence in the landscape of Jerusalem invites reflection on the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 3:29
After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew

2777. charsuth -- potsherd
... east. From cherec (apparently in the sense of a red tile used for scraping); a potsherd,
ie (by implication) a pottery; the name of a gate at Jerusalem -- east. ...
/hebrew/2777.htm - 6k

Library

The Gate of Nicanor, or the East Gate of the Court of Israel.
... The east gate of the Court of Israel was called the ... Ben Gorion it is said, that the
gate of Nicanor ... day he wagged his hand towards Judea and Jerusalem, and said ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 30 the gate of.htm

Mount Olivet. The Mount of Olives, 2 Samuel 15:30
... against the east gate of the Temple. Between the mount and the city you might see
a valley running between, compassing Sion on the right hand, and Jerusalem on ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 40 mount olivet the.htm

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... The first gate which stood on the eastern side of Jerusalem, to the south of the
south-east angle of the Temple, was the one leading to the suburb of Ophel. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.htm

From the Talmud and Hebraica
... Chapter 21 Jerusalem. Chapter 22 The parts of the City. Sion. ... The Court of the Women.
Chapter 30 The Gate of Nicanor, or the East Gate of the Court of Israel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/

The Valley of Hinnom.
... that is, the Rabbins and others being interpreters, 'by the East-gate.' For thence ...
month, and from sabbath to sabbath, shall go out without Jerusalem into the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 39 the valley of.htm

Overcoming Great Difficulties
... people drew lots that one out of every ten should live in Jerusalem, the sacred ... along
the wall above the House of David to the Water Gate on the east of the ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/overcoming great difficulties.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... When the Maccabee Jonathan finally cleared Jerusalem of the Syrian ... in the northern
wall at the Gate Gennath, whence it ran north, and then east, so as ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

The Strait Gate. Warned against Herod.
... through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto Jerusalem. ... There one
enters by a narrow gate upon a ... 29 And they shall come from the east and west ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxxix the strait gate warned.htm

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... to the brook Kidron, even to the corner of the horse-gate on the east, shall be ... they
seem to have perished, if so be they perished near Jerusalem, in the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

A Prince's Bride
... He will proceed at once to Jerusalem. We have no time to lose. Ah, Momus?". ... "Costobarus,"
she whispered, "it is known that the East Gate of the Temple, which ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter i a princes bride.htm