Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Names of the Gates of, in Ezekiel's Vision

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In the prophetic vision of Ezekiel, as recorded in the book of Ezekiel, the prophet is given a detailed description of a future temple and the city surrounding it. This vision includes specific details about the gates of the city, which are named after the tribes of Israel. The vision is found in Ezekiel 48, where the layout and the names of the gates are described.

Ezekiel 48:30-35 :
“These will be the exits of the city: Beginning on the north side, which measures 4,500 cubits, the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. The three gates on the north side will be the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi. On the east side, which is 4,500 cubits long, the gates will be named after Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan. On the south side, which measures 4,500 cubits, the gates will be named after Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun. And on the west side, which is 4,500 cubits long, the gates will be named after Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. The perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits, and from that day the name of the city will be: The LORD Is There.”

The Gates and Their Significance:

1. North Side Gates:
· Reuben: As the firstborn of Jacob, Reuben's gate signifies the beginning of the tribes and the heritage of Israel.
· Judah: The tribe of Judah holds a place of prominence, being the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, the Messiah, descended.
· Levi: The priestly tribe, Levi's gate represents the spiritual leadership and the priestly duties that were central to Israel's worship.

2. East Side Gates:
· Joseph: Representing the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's gate symbolizes fruitfulness and blessing, as Joseph was a key figure in the preservation of Israel during famine.
· Benjamin: The youngest son of Jacob, Benjamin's gate reflects the close relationship and protection that God provides to His people.
· Dan: Although Dan is often associated with judgment, the inclusion of Dan's gate signifies the completeness of the tribes in God's plan.

3. South Side Gates:
· Simeon: Known for his zeal, Simeon's gate represents the passionate pursuit of God's purposes.
· Issachar: A tribe known for wisdom and understanding of the times, Issachar's gate highlights the importance of discernment.
· Zebulun: Associated with maritime trade and prosperity, Zebulun's gate signifies provision and abundance.

4. West Side Gates:
· Gad: Known for being a warrior tribe, Gad's gate symbolizes strength and protection.
· Asher: Asher's gate represents happiness and blessing, reflecting the tribe's association with prosperity.
· Naphtali: Known for its swiftness and eloquence, Naphtali's gate signifies freedom and communication.

Theological Implications:

The naming of the gates after the tribes of Israel in Ezekiel's vision underscores the unity and completeness of God's covenant people. Each gate represents not only a tribe but also the unique characteristics and roles that each tribe played in the history of Israel. The vision of the city with these gates serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His ultimate plan for restoration and redemption. The final declaration, "The LORD Is There," emphasizes the presence of God among His people, which is the ultimate fulfillment of His covenant relationship with Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 48:31-34
And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of ... high, and had
twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels and names written thereon ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem. ...
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names were not ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she, being ... in person on the throne of David
at Jerusalem for a ... according to his works," and all whose names are not ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... till iniquity was found in thee" (Ezekiel 28:13-18 ... the creatures, and gave them names
accordingly; wherefore ... delusions," "wiles," "power," and "the gates of hell ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm