Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Valley Gate

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The Valley Gate is one of the notable gates mentioned in the biblical accounts of Jerusalem, particularly in the context of the city's reconstruction and fortification during the time of Nehemiah. This gate holds historical and theological significance, reflecting the resilience and faithfulness of the Jewish people in the face of adversity.

Biblical References:

The primary biblical reference to the Valley Gate is found in the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah, a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, was instrumental in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. The Valley Gate is mentioned in Nehemiah 2:13, where Nehemiah describes his night inspection of the walls: "So I went out at night through the Valley Gate toward the Well of the Serpents and the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire" .

The Valley Gate is also mentioned in Nehemiah 3:13, where it is noted as part of the reconstruction efforts: "Hanun and the residents of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and installed its doors, bolts, and bars, repairing a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the Dung Gate" . This passage highlights the collaborative effort of the people in restoring the city's defenses.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The Valley Gate is believed to have been located on the western side of Jerusalem, near the Valley of Hinnom. This valley, also known as Gehenna, was historically associated with idolatrous practices and later became a symbol of judgment and hell in Jewish and Christian thought. The gate's proximity to this valley underscores the spiritual and moral challenges faced by the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

In the context of Nehemiah's time, the Valley Gate served as a critical point of access and defense for the city. Its reconstruction was essential for the protection and stability of Jerusalem, allowing the Jewish community to reestablish itself in the land promised to their ancestors.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Valley Gate represents themes of restoration, perseverance, and divine providence. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, including the Valley Gate, symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Despite the destruction and desolation experienced during the Babylonian exile, the Jewish community's efforts to restore the city reflect their unwavering faith and trust in God's covenant.

The Valley Gate also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the spiritual life. Just as the physical gates of Jerusalem needed to be fortified against external threats, believers are called to guard their hearts and minds against spiritual dangers. The collaborative effort in rebuilding the gate highlights the value of community and collective action in achieving God's purposes.

In summary, the Valley Gate of Jerusalem is a significant biblical landmark that embodies the themes of restoration, faith, and communal effort. Its mention in the Book of Nehemiah serves as a testament to the enduring faithfulness of God's people and the fulfillment of His promises throughout history.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 2:13
And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 3:13
The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall to the dung gate.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... I went out by night through the Valley Gate, toward the Dragon's Well and to the
Dung Gate; and I examined carefully the walls of Jerusalem which were broken ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/nehemiahs answer to a call.htm

The Valley of Hinnom.
... the Rabbins and others being interpreters, 'by the East-gate.' For thence ... sabbath
to sabbath, shall go out without Jerusalem into the valley of Jehoshaphat ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 39 the valley of.htm

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... towards the south, leading down to the valley, and where a ... north towards Mount Calvary
shortly after that gate by which Jesus left Jerusalem when bearing ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.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 ... joined to the old wall at the valley called the ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... the brook Kidron, even to the corner of the horse-gate on the ... The valley of carcasses
and ashes ... to have perished, if so be they perished near Jerusalem, in the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

A Young Man who Said, "Send Me"
... And Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at the Valley
Gate and at the corner of the wall, and fortified them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a young man who said.htm

Mount Olivet. The Mount of Olives, 2 Samuel 15:30
... Between the mount and the city you might see a valley running between, compassing
Sion on the right hand, and Jerusalem on the left: the Gate of Waters against ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 40 mount olivet the.htm

How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem for Five [Six] Years when ...
... of it, and came and brought them to Jerusalem to the ... and commanded them to bring
Athaliah to the valley of Cedron ... hold of her, and led her to the gate of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how athaliah reigned.htm

How Titus Marched to Jerusalem, and How He was in Danger as He was ...
... Jews, in their own tongue, call "the Valley of Thorns ... Hill of Saul," being distant
from Jerusalem about thirty ... the "Women's Towers," through that gate which was ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus marched.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... and architectural monuments; then, as now, Jerusalem was crowded ... it, and out by the
Western Gate of the ... on the immense bridge which spans the Valley of the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm