Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Street of the Water Gate of Ephraim Gate

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Street of the Water Gate of Ephraim Gate in Jerusalem holds significant historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative. This area is mentioned in the context of the rebuilding efforts during the time of Nehemiah and is associated with the spiritual renewal of the people of Israel.

Historical Context

The Water Gate and the Ephraim Gate are part of the ancient city walls of Jerusalem, which were reconstructed under the leadership of Nehemiah after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, was granted permission to return to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of the city's walls, which had been in ruins. This reconstruction was crucial for the protection and re-establishment of Jerusalem as the center of Jewish life and worship.

Biblical References

The Water Gate is specifically mentioned in Nehemiah 8:1-3, where it serves as a gathering place for the people of Israel. The passage states: "At that time, all the people gathered together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women, and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law" (Nehemiah 8:1-3).

This event marks a pivotal moment of spiritual revival, as the people of Israel recommit themselves to the covenant with God by listening to the Law and renewing their dedication to His commandments.

The Ephraim Gate, while not as frequently mentioned, is part of the northern section of the city wall. It is referenced in Nehemiah 12:39, which describes the procession of the leaders of Judah during the dedication of the wall: "over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they stopped at the Gate of the Guard" (Nehemiah 12:39).

Theological Significance

The Street of the Water Gate of Ephraim Gate symbolizes both physical and spiritual restoration. The public reading of the Law at the Water Gate signifies the centrality of God's Word in the life of the community. It underscores the importance of returning to the Scriptures for guidance, correction, and inspiration. The gathering of the people to hear the Law reflects a collective acknowledgment of their dependence on God and a desire to align their lives with His will.

The rebuilding of the walls, including the Ephraim Gate, represents the renewal of Jerusalem as a fortified city, a place where God's presence dwells among His people. It highlights the themes of protection, identity, and divine favor, as the Israelites sought to re-establish their national and spiritual identity in the land promised to their forefathers.

In summary, the Street of the Water Gate of Ephraim Gate in Jerusalem serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring significance of God's Word and the necessity of spiritual renewal and communal dedication to His covenant.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 8:16
So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one on the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out ... And he showed me
a pure river of water of life ... In the midst of the street of it, and on either ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers.
... he proposed that it should be in the open and frequented street. ... only by parched
corn, pulse, or herbs; his drink, water; his clothing ... Of the Jerusalem in heaven ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/iii the life as amplified by.htm

Marvellous Increase of the Church
... At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark. ... Men of Jerusalem! ... thither; but my poor wing
was weary, and I could fly no further, and down I sank into the water, but as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/marvellous increase of the church.htm

Another Royal Procession
... free course and be glorified, that every street may ring ... tender heart does not hesitate
to tell Jerusalem of its ... sprout again; at the scent of water it will bud ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/another royal procession.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... He promised it on condition that they would yield the traditional homage of earth
and water, and their delegates complied with his demand, though on their ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... descend from heaven with gates of pearl and street of pure ... his hand, to cut off the
people at Jerusalem, for the ... a servant to hew wood and draw water for the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven ... of Zion, and utter his voice from
Jerusalem, whose voice ... that there is a lion in the street, the unlikeliest ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... will," that is, willing, "let him take the water of life ... worship the Lord in the
holy mount at Jerusalem" (Isaiah 27 ... Well, now they sat in the gate of the city ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... natural phenomena which were the chief objects of worship among all the ancient
nations of Western Asia"the stars, Sirius, the moon, the sun, water and fire ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... of Judas and Ananias, &c., for their sin and punishment were known to all the dwellers
at Jerusalem (Acts 1 ... And as he spake this, the water stood in his eyes.[8 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm