Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, cities were often fortified with walls and gates, serving as both protection and a means of controlling access. The concept of entering a city through its gates is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing not only physical entry but also the transition into a place of community, governance, and worship.Historical and Cultural Context The gates of ancient cities were crucial for defense, commerce, and social interaction. They were typically constructed of strong materials like wood and reinforced with metal, often featuring towers for added security. Gates were the focal points of a city's defense system, and their strength was a measure of the city's security. Biblical Significance 1. Judicial and Civic Functions: City gates were places of judgment and civic administration. Elders and leaders would sit at the gates to make legal decisions and conduct business. In Ruth 4:1, Boaz goes to the city gate to settle the matter of redeeming Ruth: "Meanwhile Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, 'Come over here, my friend, and sit down.' So he went over and sat down." 2. Prophetic and Symbolic Meaning: Gates often held prophetic significance. In Isaiah 60:11, the gates of the New Jerusalem are described as perpetually open: "Your gates will always stand open; they will never be shut, day or night, so that the wealth of the nations may be brought into you, with their kings being led in procession." 3. Spiritual and Moral Implications: Entering through gates can symbolize entering into a covenant or relationship with God. Psalm 100:4 encourages believers to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name." 4. Security and Protection: Gates were a symbol of security and divine protection. In Nehemiah 3, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates signifies the restoration of the community and God's protection over His people. 5. Jesus and the Gates: Jesus refers to Himself as the gate in John 10:9, emphasizing His role as the way to salvation: "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture." Notable Biblical Cities with Gates · Jerusalem: The city of Jerusalem had several gates, each with its own significance. The Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, and others are mentioned in Nehemiah 3 as part of the city's restoration. · Jericho: Known for its formidable walls, Jericho's gates were shut tight against the Israelites, as described in Joshua 6:1: "Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in." · Sodom and Gomorrah: The gates of Sodom were where Lot sat, indicating his role in the city's affairs (Genesis 19:1). Conclusion The imagery of city gates in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of protection, justice, community, and divine interaction. They serve as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual truths of access to God, the security found in His presence, and the communal life of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 34:24And to Hamor and to Shechem his son listened all that went out of the gate of his city; and every male was circumcised, all that went out of the gate of his city. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 13:19,22 Library When travelling lately through the Simplon Light through Darkness The "Little Knife" Insurrection The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ... Enterprise of Gainas, the Gothic Barbarian. Evils which He ... Psalm LXXXVII. Life and Conduct of the Holy Women, Xanthippe, Polyxena, and ... A Description of the Temple. The Gospel Refuge. The Massacre Resources Does God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the strange flesh in Jude 1:7? | GotQuestions.org What were the Dark Ages? | GotQuestions.org Cities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cities of Refuge of the Hope of the Gospel Cities of Refuge: (The Way To) Christ Cities of Refuge: Afforded No Asylum to Murderers Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Open to all Manslayers Cities of Refuge: Strangers Might Take Advantage of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to not Protected Outside of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Were Put on Their Trial Cities were Called For: The Country in Which Built Cities were Called For: The Family of the Founder Cities were Called For: The Proprietor of the Land Cities were Frequently: Besieged Cities were Frequently: Burned Cities were Frequently: Depopulated Cities were Frequently: Made Heaps of Ruins Cities were Frequently: Pillaged Cities were Frequently: Razed and Sown With Salt Cities were Frequently: Stormed Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Famine Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Pestilence Cities: A Great Defence to a Country Cities: Afforded Refuge in Times of Danger Cities: Arranged in Streets and Lanes Cities: Artificial Mode of Supplying Water To Cities: Built in Desert Places Cities: Built in Pleasant Situations Cities: Built of Brick and Mortar Cities: Built of Brick and Slime Cities: Built of Stone and Wood Cities: Built with Compactness Cities: Built: Often of a Square Form Cities: Built: On Solid Foundations Cities: Designated as Merchant Cities: Designated as Treasure Cities: Designed for Habitations Cities: Different Kinds of Chariot Cities: Different Kinds of Commercial Cities: Different Kinds of Fenced Cities: Different Kinds of Levitical Cities: Different Kinds of Refuge Cities: Different Kinds of Royal Cities: Different Kinds of Store Cities: Different Kinds of Treasure Cities: Difficulty of Taking, Alluded To Cities: Government of, by Rulers Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Cities: Often Built to Perpetuate a Name Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy Cities: Often Fortified by Art Cities: Often Fortified by Nature Cities: Often Founded and Enlarged by Blood and Rapine Cities: Often Great and Goodly Cities: Often of Great Antiquity Cities: Prosperity of, Increased by Commerce Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |
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