Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Water Gate

◄ Jerusalem: Water Gate ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Water Gate in Jerusalem holds significant historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative. It is mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period, particularly in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the Water Gate is found in Nehemiah 3:26 and Nehemiah 8:1-3. In Nehemiah 3:26, the text states, "And the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower." This passage highlights the Water Gate as a significant landmark during the reconstruction efforts led by Nehemiah. It was one of the gates of Jerusalem's wall that required repair and fortification, underscoring its importance in the city's defense and infrastructure.

In Nehemiah 8:1-3, the Water Gate becomes a focal point for a pivotal spiritual event: "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."

This passage illustrates the Water Gate as a place of communal gathering and spiritual renewal. It was here that Ezra read the Law to the people, leading to a revival of covenantal faithfulness and a renewed commitment to the teachings of the Torah. The public reading of the Law at the Water Gate signifies the centrality of God's Word in the life of the community and the importance of understanding and adhering to divine commandments.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The Water Gate's location near the Gihon Spring, one of Jerusalem's primary water sources, underscores its practical importance. Access to water was crucial for the city's survival, and the gate likely facilitated the movement of people and resources related to water management.

Theologically, the events at the Water Gate in Nehemiah 8 highlight the role of Scripture in the life of God's people. The public reading and explanation of the Law by Ezra and the Levites emphasize the necessity of understanding God's Word and its application to daily life. This event marks a significant moment of spiritual awakening and rededication to the covenant, reflecting the broader theme of restoration and renewal that characterizes the post-exilic period.

The Water Gate serves as a symbol of both physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment. Just as water is essential for physical life, the Word of God is essential for spiritual vitality. The gathering at the Water Gate represents a collective return to the foundational truths of the faith and a recommitment to living in accordance with God's will.

In summary, the Water Gate in Jerusalem is more than a mere architectural feature; it is a testament to the enduring significance of God's Word and the transformative power of communal worship and obedience. Its mention in the Book of Nehemiah invites believers to reflect on the importance of Scripture in their own lives and the necessity of gathering together to hear and respond to God's call.

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Nehemiah 3:26
Moreover the Nethinims dwelled in Ophel, to the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lies out.
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Nehemiah 8:1
And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
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Nehemiah 12:37
And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even to the water gate eastward.
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Library

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 2, "Now There is in Jerusalem ...
... On the words of the Gospel, John 5:2, "Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate
a pool ... That water was the Jewish people; the five porches were the Law. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxiv on the words.htm

Overcoming Great Difficulties
... the people drew lots that one out of every ten should live in Jerusalem, the sacred ...
the ascent along the wall above the House of David to the Water Gate on the ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/overcoming great difficulties.htm

Prayer and the House of God
... the method followed in Jerusalem, on this auspicious day. Moreover: the sense of
the words was made clear in the meeting held before the water gate; the people ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiv prayer and the house.htm

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... for they seem to have perished, if so be they perished near Jerusalem, in the ... The
Water-gate, of which is mention, Nehemiah 12:37.3. Ophel, and the Horse-gate ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... 3. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate, from the ...
According to Ezra 7:9, Ezra had gone to Jerusalem about thirteen years before ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm

The Description of Jerusalem.
... 1. The city of Jerusalem was fortified with three walls, on ... name of a fountain which
hath sweet water in it ... through a place called "Bethso," to the gate of the ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... that gate by which Jesus left Jerusalem when bearing ... seized hold of the bolt, the
gate opened as if ... engaged in preparing the linen, spices, water, sponges, and ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.htm

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... written: "Then the Lord said unto me, This gate shall be ... placed upon it, and thence
they provided water for the ... It has no Gemara either in the Jerusalem or the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast'
... the Tyropoeon into the Kedron Valley, in the south-eastern angle of Jerusalem. ... the
arrival of the Priest, as he entered through the Water-gate,' [4006] which ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in the last.htm

A Sabbath Healing in Jerusalem.
... Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool ... The sick man answered him, "Sir,
I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/a sabbath healing in jerusalem.htm