Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Streets: East Street

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The city of Jerusalem, a central location in biblical history, is often depicted with its various streets and pathways that hold significant historical and theological importance. Among these is the "East Street," a term that appears in the context of biblical narratives and is associated with the geographical and spiritual landscape of Jerusalem.

Biblical References and Context

The mention of streets in Jerusalem, including the East Street, is sparse but carries symbolic weight. In 2 Chronicles 29:4, during the reign of King Hezekiah, the East Street is referenced in the context of religious reform and purification. Hezekiah, a king noted for his dedication to restoring proper worship in Judah, gathered the priests and Levites in the East Street to initiate the cleansing of the temple: "He brought in the priests and the Levites, gathered them in the square on the east side" (2 Chronicles 29:4). This gathering signifies a return to covenant faithfulness and a renewal of spiritual commitment, highlighting the East Street as a place of assembly and consecration.

Historical and Theological Significance

The East Street's location, while not explicitly detailed in biblical texts, is traditionally understood to be in proximity to the eastern gate of the temple complex. This area holds particular significance due to its association with the temple, the heart of Jewish worship and the presence of God among His people. The eastern orientation is also symbolically important in biblical literature, often representing the direction of divine intervention and eschatological hope.

In the broader biblical narrative, the east side of Jerusalem is linked with prophetic visions and future expectations. For instance, Ezekiel's vision of the new temple includes the glory of the Lord entering from the east (Ezekiel 43:1-4), reinforcing the east as a direction of divine glory and restoration.

Cultural and Religious Implications

The East Street, as part of Jerusalem's urban landscape, would have been a bustling area, reflecting the city's role as a religious and cultural hub. It served as a conduit for the movement of people, goods, and ideas, facilitating the vibrant life of the city. The street's mention in the context of Hezekiah's reforms underscores its role as a public space where significant religious activities and communal gatherings took place.

In the conservative Christian tradition, the East Street and its associated events are seen as emblematic of the call to spiritual renewal and the importance of returning to foundational truths. The reforms initiated by Hezekiah are viewed as a model for personal and communal revival, emphasizing the need for purity and dedication to God's commandments.

Conclusion

While the East Street is not frequently mentioned in Scripture, its role in the narrative of Hezekiah's reforms and its symbolic associations with the temple and divine presence render it a noteworthy element of Jerusalem's biblical topography. It serves as a reminder of the city's enduring spiritual significance and the ongoing call to faithfulness and renewal in the life of God's people.

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2 Chronicles 29:4
And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the east street,
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Library

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... most distant parts of the earth - east, west, north ... 2,000 dead bodies were found
in those subterranean streets. ... you might also see in Jerusalem that mysterious ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

The New Jerusalem.
... mountain, and shewed me the holy city Jerusalem, descending out ... On the east, three
gates; on the north, three gates ... upon her walls, And in her streets, and in ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

Description of Pilate's Palace and the Adjacent Buildings.
... usually inhabited when she came up to Jerusalem with her ... the aqueducts which ran
through these streets flowed into ... the forum, while to the south-east might be ...
/.../chapter xvi description of pilates.htm

On the Road to Jerusalem
... Denser and denser the cloud grew till the streets ahead were ... and wrapped with all
the jealous care of the East against the ... I was journeying to Jerusalem with a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter ii on the road.htm

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
... the ass was held in high estimation in the East. ... the poetical name for the city of
Jerusalem], Behold, thy ... without in the open street [the streets being narrow ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cv jesus triumphal entry into.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem
... transgressions from us as far as the east is from ... were to preach the gospel in the
streets of Jerusalem ... a disciple of Jesus Christ." Begin at Jerusalem: it was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/beginning at jerusalem.htm

The Account Given in the Aforesaid Book of the Place of Our Lord's ...
... in this manner: "Entering the city of Jerusalem on the ... according to the disposition
of the streets, is the ... walls; four whereof face the south-east, and four ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xvi the account given.htm

The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70
... Favorable events in the East [the subjugation of the Jews ... while drunk, dragged through
the streets, and shamefully ... after the Passover, when Jerusalem was filled ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 38 the jewish war.htm

Jewish Homes
... the latest luxuries from the far East, or the ... of the goldsmith and the modeller at
Jerusalem, while among ... These streets are all named, mostly after the trades ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 6 jewish homes.htm

Goths at Antioch
... fair locks, the admiration of all the East, flowing under ... I did not know that your
streets at Antioch buzzed ... the spoils of the Temple of Jerusalem, which Titus ...
/.../chapter xi goths at antioch.htm