Topical Encyclopedia
The King's Gate, a significant landmark in ancient Jerusalem, is mentioned in the context of the city's fortifications and its role in the daily life of the Israelites. While the exact location and details of the King's Gate are not exhaustively described in the biblical text, it is understood to be one of the principal gates of Jerusalem, serving both as a point of entry and a place of judgment and commerce.
Biblical References and Historical ContextThe King's Gate is referenced in the context of the governance and judicial activities of the city. In
2 Kings 23:8, during the reforms of King Josiah, the gate is mentioned as a location where idolatrous priests were removed from their posts: "Then Josiah brought all the priests from the cities of Judah and defiled the high places from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He also tore down the high places at the gates, at the entrance of the Gate of Joshua, the governor of the city, which is on the left of the city gate."
The gate's association with governance is further highlighted in the book of Jeremiah. In
Jeremiah 37:13, the prophet Jeremiah is arrested at the Benjamin Gate, which is often associated with the King's Gate due to its proximity to the royal palace and its function as a place of official business: "But when he reached the Benjamin Gate, 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!'"
Role in Society and GovernanceThe gates of ancient cities like Jerusalem were more than mere entry points; they were centers of social and economic activity. The King's Gate, in particular, would have been a hub of political and judicial proceedings. Elders and officials often sat at the gates to render judgments and conduct city business, as seen in the broader biblical tradition (cf.
Ruth 4:1-11, where Boaz conducts legal matters at the city gate).
The King's Gate's strategic importance is underscored by its likely proximity to the royal palace, making it a critical point for the defense and administration of the city. The gate's name itself suggests a direct connection to the monarchy, indicating its use for royal processions and official decrees.
Archaeological and Scholarly InsightsWhile the precise archaeological identification of the King's Gate remains a matter of scholarly debate, excavations in Jerusalem have uncovered remnants of ancient gates and fortifications that provide insight into the city's layout during the biblical period. These findings help to contextualize the biblical narrative, offering a glimpse into the urban planning and defensive strategies of ancient Jerusalem.
In summary, the King's Gate of Jerusalem holds a place of prominence in the biblical narrative as a site of governance, judgment, and royal activity. Its mention in the scriptures underscores its importance in the social and political life of the city, reflecting the broader role of city gates in the ancient Near Eastern world.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Chronicles 9:18Who till now waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem for Five [Six] Years when ...
... of it, and came and brought them to Jerusalem to the ... David, and said to them, "This
is your king, of that ... next part of you keep guard at the gate which opens ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how athaliah reigned.htm
Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... a certain Jew named Mordecai, who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the ... In
those days while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of the king's ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/queen esthers love for her.htm
Esther, the Queen.
... in Shushan a Jew named Mordecai, who had been brought away from Jerusalem with the ...
Mordecai sat daily at the king's gate, and once while there he heard of a ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiv esther the queen.htm
Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and the places where its gates had been
destroyed by fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King's Pool ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/nehemiahs answer to a call.htm
The Last Agony
... king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they ... up.3. And all the princes
of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergal ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the last agony.htm
The End
... names, 'came in, and sat in the middle gate.' It was ... of this selfsame day,' as that
on which the king of Babylon 'drew close unto Jerusalem' (Ezekiel 24 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the end.htm
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
... is that the occasion of the great King's visit to ... upon another.] ^b 11 And he entered
into Jerusalem [his route ... the slope of Moriah to the eastern gate of the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cv jesus triumphal entry into.htm
The Court of the Gentiles. The Mountain of the House, in the ...
... On the south were two gates, both called the Gate of Huldah ... These looked towards
Jerusalem, or Acra ... gracing this south side, was called "The king's walk," which ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 28 the court of.htm
David's Sorrow.
... to come down to the gate and meet the people. After this those who were left of
the followers of Absalom begged the king to come back to Jerusalem, and so he ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxv davids sorrow.htm
The Wall Rebuilt.
... Mordecai daily sat at the palace gate to hear of his ... wicked Haman," she said: and
when the king found how ... and other foes who had come upon them at Jerusalem. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiv the wall rebuilt.htm
Resources
What was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Cyril of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgJerusalem: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus