Topical Encyclopedia The Sheep Gate holds significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of Jerusalem's ancient city. It is mentioned explicitly in the Book of Nehemiah and implicitly in the Gospel of John, serving as a symbol of sacrifice, restoration, and divine provision.Biblical References: 1. Nehemiah 3:1 : "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set up its doors, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel." 2. Nehemiah 12:39 : "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." 3. John 5:2 : "Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, called Bethesda in Hebrew, which has five colonnades." Historical Context: The Sheep Gate was one of the gates in the walls of Jerusalem, located in the northeastern part of the city. It was named for its primary function, which was to facilitate the entry of sheep into the city, particularly those destined for sacrifice in the Temple. This gate's proximity to the Temple Mount underscores its importance in the religious life of ancient Israel, as it was through this gate that sacrificial animals were brought for offerings. Theological Significance: The Sheep Gate is rich in symbolic meaning, particularly in its association with sacrifice and redemption. In Nehemiah, the rebuilding of the Sheep Gate by Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests signifies the restoration of proper worship and the reestablishment of the sacrificial system after the Babylonian exile. This act of rebuilding and consecration highlights the importance of purity and dedication in worship. In the Gospel of John, the mention of the Sheep Gate in connection with the Pool of Bethesda introduces a narrative of healing and divine intervention. The pool, located near the Sheep Gate, was a place where many invalids gathered, hoping for healing. Jesus' miraculous healing of the man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years (John 5:1-15) at this location underscores His role as the ultimate healer and the fulfillment of the sacrificial system symbolized by the Sheep Gate. Symbolism in Christian Theology: The Sheep Gate can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, the Lamb of God, who entered Jerusalem and offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Just as sheep were brought through this gate for temple sacrifices, Jesus entered Jerusalem to lay down His life, fulfilling the sacrificial system once and for all. This connection is further emphasized by the prophetic imagery found in Isaiah 53:7 : "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth." Conclusion: The Sheep Gate serves as a powerful reminder of the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and divine provision throughout the biblical narrative. Its historical role in the life of ancient Jerusalem and its theological implications in the New Testament continue to resonate with believers, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the restoration of humanity's relationship with God. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Sheep GateSHEEP GATE (sha`ar ha-tso'-n (Nehemiah 3:1, 32; Nehemiah 12:39)): One of the gates of Jerusalem, probably near the northeast corner. See JERUSALEM. For the "sheep gate" of John 5:2, see BETHESDA; SHEEP MARKET. Greek 4262. probatikos -- of sheep ... sheep market. From probaton; relating to sheep, ie (a gate) through which they were led into Jerusalem -- sheep (market). see GREEK probaton. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4262.htm - 6k Library On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 2, "Now There is in Jerusalem ... The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3 Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act. Sabbath Cure at Bethesda. The Greatest Trial on Record Overcoming Great Difficulties The Third Miracle in John's Gospel At the Unknown' Feast in Jerusalem, and by the Pool of Bethesda. The Gospel According to St. John A Sabbath Healing in Jerusalem. Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus tell Peter to "feed my sheep" in John 21? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing Related Terms |
    |