Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, gates were significant architectural and social features of ancient cities. They served not only as points of entry and exit but also as places of commerce, legal proceedings, and public discourse. The construction and function of city gates are frequently mentioned throughout the Bible, highlighting their importance in the daily life and governance of ancient communities.Construction and Design City gates were typically constructed as part of the city walls, providing both security and controlled access. They were often made of strong materials such as wood reinforced with metal, and they could be closed and barred to protect the city from invaders. The gates were usually large enough to allow the passage of people, animals, and goods, and they often included smaller doors for individual access. Biblical References The Bible provides numerous references to city gates, underscoring their multifaceted role in society. In the book of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates is a central theme, illustrating the gates' importance in the city's defense and restoration. Nehemiah 3:3 states, "The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars." Gates also served as places of judgment and decision-making. In the book of Ruth, Boaz goes to the city gate to settle the matter of redeeming Ruth, as described in Ruth 4:1 : "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." Social and Economic Functions City gates were bustling centers of activity. They were places where elders and leaders gathered to discuss and resolve community issues, as seen in Proverbs 31:23 : "Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land." The gates were also venues for trade and commerce, where merchants would sell their goods and conduct business. Symbolic Significance In addition to their practical functions, gates held symbolic meaning in biblical literature. They often represented power, authority, and the presence of God. For instance, in Psalm 24:7 , the psalmist calls for the gates to open for the King of Glory: "Lift up your heads, O gates, be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter!" Prophetic and Eschatological Imagery Prophets used the imagery of gates to convey messages of hope and restoration. Isaiah 60:11 speaks of a future time when the gates of Jerusalem will be 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." In the New Testament, gates are also part of eschatological visions. Revelation 21:12 describes the New Jerusalem with its twelve gates: "The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel." Conclusion City gates in the Bible were more than mere physical structures; they were integral to the social, economic, and spiritual life of the community. They served as places of protection, governance, and interaction, reflecting the multifaceted nature of ancient urban life. Through their practical and symbolic roles, gates continue to offer rich insights into biblical history and theology. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 17:10So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray you, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Pompey when the Citizens of Jerusalem Shut their Gates against ... The Song of Two Cities Now Herod and Philip Built Several Cities in Honor of Caesar. ... How Pompey had the City of Jerusalem Delivered up to Him but Took ... Six Cities God Hath Made Manifest Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the ... How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ... How Sennacherib Made an Expedition against Hezekiah; What That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ... Resources Are there pearly gates in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgHow could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of gatekeepers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gates of Cities: Battering Rams Used Against Gates of Cities: Chief Places of Concourse Gates of Cities: Chief Points of Attack in War Gates of Cities: Conferences Held At Gates of Cities: Councils of State Held At Gates of Cities: Courts of Justice Held At Gates of Cities: Criminals Punished At Gates of Cities: Custom of Sitting At, in the Evening, Alluded To Gates of Cities: Experienced officers Placed Over Gates of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed At Gates of Cities: Land Redeemed At Gates of Cities: Markets Held At Gates of Cities: Often Razed and Burned Gates of Cities: Proclamations Made At Gates of Cities: Public Censure Passed At Gates of Cities: Public Commendation Given At Gates of Cities: Shut at Night-Fall Gates of Cities: Troops Reviewed At, Going to War Gates of Jerusalem: Corner Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of Ephraim Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of Miphkad Gates of Jerusalem: Gate of the Fountain Gates of Jerusalem: High Gate of Benjamin Gates of Jerusalem: Horse Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Sheep Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Valley Gate Gates of Jerusalem: Water Gate Gates of the Powers of Hell (Hades) Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of Righteousness Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of the Lord Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of Zion Gates of the Temple: Charge of, Given by Lot Gates of the Temple: Frequented by Beggars Gates of the Temple: Levites the Porters of Gates of the Temple: One Specially Beautiful Gates of the Temple: Overlaid With Gold Gates of the Temple: The Pious Israelites Delighted to Enter Gates of the Temple: The Treasury Placed At Gates: (Of Heaven) Access to God Gates: (Of Hell) Satan's Power Gates: (Strait) the Entrance to Life Gates: (Wide) the Entrance to Ruin Gates: Bodies of Criminals Exposed to View At Gates: Carcase of Sin-Offering Burned Without Gates: Conferences on Public Affairs Gates: Criminals Generally Punished Without Gates: Fastened With Bars of Iron Gates: Holding Courts of Justice Gates: Jails Made in the Towers of Gates: Place for Public Concourse Gates: Punishment of Criminals Outside of Gates: Religious Services Held At Gates: The Open Square of, a Place for Idlers Gates: The Place for the Transaction of Public Business, Announcement of Legal Transactions Related Terms |
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