Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Old Gate

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Old Gate, also referred to in some translations as the "Jeshanah Gate," is one of the notable gates mentioned in the biblical accounts of Jerusalem, particularly in the context of the city's reconstruction during the time of Nehemiah. This gate holds historical and theological significance as it represents the restoration and renewal of Jerusalem, a central theme in the post-exilic period.

Biblical References:

The primary biblical reference to the Old Gate is found in the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah 3:6 states: "Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars." This passage is part of a larger narrative detailing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates, a project led by Nehemiah after the Babylonian exile.

Historical Context:

The Old Gate is situated in the northern part of Jerusalem's wall. Its exact location is a subject of scholarly debate, but it is generally believed to have been part of the ancient city's fortifications. The gate's name, "Old Gate," suggests its antiquity and possibly its connection to earlier periods of Jerusalem's history.

During Nehemiah's time, the city of Jerusalem was in a state of disrepair, having suffered destruction at the hands of the Babylonians. The rebuilding of the walls and gates was a critical step in re-establishing the city as the center of Jewish life and worship. The Old Gate, like other gates mentioned in Nehemiah, symbolizes the community's dedication to restoring their city and their covenant relationship with God.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Old Gate represents themes of renewal and faithfulness. The rebuilding efforts led by Nehemiah were not merely physical but also spiritual, as they signified a return to the laws and worship of Yahweh. The restoration of the gates, including the Old Gate, was a tangible expression of the people's commitment to their identity as God's chosen people.

The Old Gate also serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's promises. Despite the exile and destruction, the returnees were able to rebuild and restore what was lost, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant. This act of rebuilding is seen as a fulfillment of prophetic promises and a precursor to the coming of the Messiah, who would ultimately bring spiritual restoration.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

While the exact archaeological identification of the Old Gate remains uncertain, its mention in Nehemiah provides valuable insights into the urban layout and defensive structures of ancient Jerusalem. The gates of the city were not only points of entry and exit but also places of social and economic activity, often serving as locations for legal proceedings and public gatherings.

In summary, the Old Gate of Jerusalem, as described in the Book of Nehemiah, is a significant element in the narrative of the city's restoration. It embodies the themes of renewal, faithfulness, and the enduring nature of God's promises to His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 3:6
Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 12:39
And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even to the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.
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Library

Overcoming Great Difficulties
... and above the Gate of Ephraim and past the Old Gate, the Fish ... Then they stood in
the Gate of the Guard. ... too, so that the cries of joy at Jerusalem were heard ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/overcoming great difficulties.htm

The Faithful Servant
... him between here and Jerusalem, he shall get into Jerusalem. ... They saw the old man
mount by the causeway of ... of sunrise the sentinel above the North Gate in the ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxi the faithful servant.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 2, "Now There is in Jerusalem ...
... the words of the Gospel, John 5:2, "Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate
a pool ... From the earliest infancy even to decrepit old age, it is but a short ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxiv on the words.htm

The Description of Jerusalem.
... 1. The city of Jerusalem was fortified with three walls ... second wall took its beginning
from that gate which they ... of the Fuller," and joined to the old wall at ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... for they seem to have perished, if so be they perished near Jerusalem, in the ... This
Bird-gate perhaps was that which is called the Old-gate, Nehemiah 3:6. ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem for Five [Six] Years when ...
... child's name, who was not above a year old, among those ... out of it, and came and brought
them to Jerusalem to the ... part of you keep guard at the gate which opens ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how athaliah reigned.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... Sanhedrin of twenty-three, that sat in the entering of the gate or by ... Altogether,
Jerusalem covered, at its greatest, about 300 acres ... [541] As of old there were ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

The Ass and the Colt are the Old and the New Testament. Spiritual ...
... But if the ass and the foal are the old and the ... do not wait after the Word has entered
Jerusalem among those ... and reproved by it,"for it is the gate of life ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/18 the ass and the.htm

The Strait Gate
... cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.23 ... For us, the narrow
gate is the self-abandonment ... For everything in our old self-confident, self ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the strait gate.htm

Whether Christ Suffered in a Suitable Place?
... He ought not to have suffered in Jerusalem, but in ... was prefigured by the sacrifices
of the Old Law, and ... suffered in the Temple, and not outside the city gate. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ suffered in a.htm