The Sheepgate, also known as the Sheep Gate, holds significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the city of Jerusalem. It is mentioned explicitly in the Book of Nehemiah and implicitly in the Gospel of John, serving as a symbol of sacrifice, redemption, and the shepherding role of Christ.

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." The Sheepgate was the first gate to be rebuilt under Nehemiah's leadership, signifying its importance in the restoration of Jerusalem. It was the entry point through which sheep were brought into the city for temple sacrifices, highlighting its role in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.

2. John 5:2 : "Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda, and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades." This passage situates the Sheepgate near the Pool of Bethesda, where Jesus performed the miracle of healing a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. The proximity of the Sheepgate to this miracle underscores the theme of healing and restoration associated with Christ's ministry.

Historical and Theological Significance:

· Sacrificial System: The Sheepgate was integral to the sacrificial system of ancient Israel. As the gate through which sacrificial animals entered the city, it was a constant reminder of the need for atonement and the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

· Symbol of Christ's Role: In the New Testament, Jesus is often depicted as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), and the Sheepgate can be seen as a metaphor for His role as the entry point to salvation. Just as the Sheepgate was the entry for sacrificial lambs, Christ is the way through which believers enter into eternal life.

· Restoration and Renewal: The rebuilding of the Sheepgate by Eliashib and the priests symbolizes spiritual renewal and the reestablishment of proper worship. It reflects the broader theme of Nehemiah, which is the restoration of Jerusalem and the reformation of the people of God.

· Connection to Healing: The association of the Sheepgate with the Pool of Bethesda in John 5 highlights the theme of healing. Jesus' miracle at Bethesda near the Sheepgate serves as a testament to His power to heal both physically and spiritually, offering a new life to those who believe in Him.

In summary, the Sheepgate is more than just a physical structure in ancient Jerusalem; it is a profound symbol of sacrifice, redemption, and the shepherding care of Jesus Christ. Its mention in Scripture invites believers to reflect on the themes of atonement, restoration, and the transformative power of Christ's ministry.The Sheepgate

one of the gates of Jerusalem as rebuilt by Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 3:1,32; 12:39) It stood between the tower of Meah and the chamber of the corner, ch. (Nehemiah 3:1,32) or gate of the guard-house, ch. (Nehemiah 12:39) Authorized Version, "prison-gate." The latter seems to have been at the angle formed by the junction of the wall of the city of David with that of the city of Jerusalem proper, having the sheep-gate on the north of it. The position of the sheep-gate may therefore have been on or near that of the Bab el Kattanin.

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... The sheepgate also was in sight, through which for centuries the victims for sacrifice
had been led, and which was to open for Him when He should be "brought ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

"Thy King Cometh"
... overshadow Him. The sheepgate also was in sight, through which for centuries
the beasts for sacrificial offerings had been led. This ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 63 thy king cometh.htm

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