Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Gate of Benjamin

◄ Jerusalem: Gate of Benjamin ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The Gate of Benjamin, also referred to as the Benjamin Gate, is a significant historical and biblical landmark associated with the city of Jerusalem. This gate is mentioned in the context of the ancient city walls and serves as a point of reference in various biblical narratives. It is named after the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, whose territory bordered the city of Jerusalem.

Biblical References

The Gate of Benjamin is mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament, highlighting its importance in the life and history of Jerusalem. One notable reference is found in the book of Jeremiah, where the prophet speaks of the gate in the context of his prophetic ministry. Jeremiah 37:13 states, "But when he reached the Gate of Benjamin, the captain of the guard, whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, arrested him and said, 'You are deserting to the Chaldeans!'"

This passage illustrates the gate's role as a strategic location for the city's defense and administration. It was a place where officials and guards were stationed, and it served as a checkpoint for those entering or leaving the city.

Historical and Geographical Context

The Gate of Benjamin was situated on the northern side of Jerusalem, aligning with the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. This location was significant due to its proximity to the main roads leading to the northern regions of Israel and beyond. The gate's position made it a critical point for trade, travel, and military movements.

In the context of Jerusalem's defenses, the Gate of Benjamin was part of the city's fortifications, which were essential for protecting the inhabitants from external threats. The gate's strategic importance is underscored by its mention in the narratives of sieges and conflicts involving Jerusalem.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Gate of Benjamin holds cultural and religious significance as it is associated with the heritage of the tribe of Benjamin. This tribe played a crucial role in the history of Israel, with notable figures such as King Saul, the first king of Israel, hailing from Benjamin. The gate serves as a reminder of the tribe's connection to Jerusalem and its influence in the nation's history.

In the broader religious context, the Gate of Benjamin is part of the rich tapestry of Jerusalem's spiritual heritage. The city itself is central to biblical prophecy and eschatology, and the gates of Jerusalem often symbolize access to the divine presence and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Conclusion

The Gate of Benjamin stands as a testament to the historical, cultural, and religious significance of Jerusalem. Its mention in the Bible highlights its role in the city's life and its connection to the tribe of Benjamin. As a part of Jerusalem's ancient fortifications, the gate serves as a symbol of the city's enduring legacy in the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 37:13
And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there, whose name was Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, You fall away to the Chaldeans.
Nave's Topical Index

Zechariah 14:10
All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate to the place of the first gate, to the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel to the king's winepresses.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The World's Wages to a Prophet
... at the gate on the north side of the city, leading to the road to the territory
of Benjamin. No doubt there was a considerable exodus from Jerusalem when the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the worlds wages to a.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... The sum is, God will, at the day of his rebuilding the New Jerusalem, so visibly ...
that hath been laid against them], they have passed through the gate, and are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Burial and Assumption of the Blessed virgin
... telling his servant to sit at the gate and wait ... for the Holy Sacrifice for the Bethsaida
church in Jerusalem. ... He was of the tribe of Benjamin and came from the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xix the burial and assumption.htm

How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ...
... enemies to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, heard the ... be restored to the people
of Jerusalem; and that ... the Levites set the porters at every gate, according to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the temple.htm

The Call of Isaiah
... Azariah] in the land of Judah and Benjamin was characterized ... invaded by the Assyrian
armies, and Jerusalem was to ... Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 25 the call of.htm

The History of David
... of David nineteen men and of them of Benjamin three hundred ... and after brought the
ark of God in Jerusalem, and set ... not go home, but lay before the gate of the ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... were of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin came together ... out of the country, and out
of Jerusalem itself, and ... men?" And while he staid at the gate, and lamented ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

Further Exposition of the Heresy of the Naasseni; Profess to ...
... been discovered hid in the beauteous seeds of Benjamin. ... men, who enter in through
the third gate. ... Jeremiah likewise utters lamentation for Jerusalem below, not ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter iii further exposition of the.htm

The Assyrian Captivity
... good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may ... instituted important reforms in
the temple service at Jerusalem. ... the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

The Broad Wall
... often counts the towers and bulwarks of the New Jerusalem. ... He who hath passed through
the gate of faith to ... Here is one poor little Benjamin, one Ready-to-Halt ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 57 1911/the broad wall.htm