Topical Bible: Gates: Made to Houses

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In biblical times, gates served as significant architectural and functional elements in the construction of houses. These gates were not merely entry points but also held cultural, social, and spiritual significance. The concept of gates in the Bible extends beyond mere physical structures, often symbolizing authority, protection, and the threshold between different realms or states of being.

Architectural Significance

Gates in ancient Israelite homes were typically constructed as part of a wall or fence surrounding a property. They were designed to provide security and privacy, reflecting the importance of safeguarding one's household. The materials used for these gates varied, often depending on the wealth and status of the homeowner. Wood and metal were common materials, with some gates being reinforced with iron for added strength.

Cultural and Social Role

Gates were central to the social life of a household and the community. They served as places where legal transactions and judgments were made, as seen in the account of Boaz at the city gate in the Book of Ruth (Ruth 4:1-11). Although this example pertains to a city gate, the principle of gates as places of decision-making and authority can be applied to household gates as well. The gate was a place where elders and leaders would gather, and it often functioned as a public forum.

Spiritual Symbolism

In the Bible, gates often symbolize the transition between different states or realms. They can represent the passage from the secular to the sacred, from the outside world into the sanctity of the home. This symbolism is evident in passages that speak of entering through gates with thanksgiving and praise, as in Psalm 100:4: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name."

Biblical References

While specific references to gates made to houses are less frequent than those to city gates, the concept is embedded in the broader biblical narrative. For instance, in Deuteronomy 6:9, the Israelites are instructed to write God's commandments on the doorposts of their houses and on their gates, indicating the importance of integrating faith into the very structure of the home: "Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates."

Symbol of Protection and Authority

Gates also symbolize protection and authority. In the context of a household, the gate serves as the first line of defense against intruders and unwanted influences. This protective aspect is echoed in the spiritual realm, where gates can represent the defense of one's spiritual life against sin and evil. Proverbs 8:34 highlights the importance of vigilance at the gates: "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway."

In summary, gates made to houses in biblical times were multifaceted in their purpose and symbolism. They were essential for security, served as social and legal hubs, and carried deep spiritual meaning, reflecting the values and beliefs of the people who built and used them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 16:20
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 12:14
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Pompey when the Citizens of Jerusalem Shut their Gates against ...
... party exhorted them to shut the gates, because he ... to secure them, and fortified the
houses that joined ... of the opposition the Jews would have made; for though ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how pompey when.htm

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... "And the conies, [1254] a feeble folk, have made their houses in the ... the Virgin's
womb; and creating our Adam anew, he passed through the gates of heaven ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ...
... this John, and made him very potent, who made them suitable ... as was their zeal in
searching the houses of the ... by the other that lay before the gates, so that ...
/.../chapter 9 that vespasian after.htm

How Hadad King of Damascus and of Syria, Made Two Expeditions ...
... Euphrates to be his auxiliaries: so he made an expedition ... his servants to search
all their houses, and in ... to feasting and repose, he opened the gates, and sent ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how hadad king.htm

How the Romans Took the Second Wall Twice, and Got all Ready for ...
... of them they met in the narrow streets, and some they fought against from their
houses, while they made a sudden sally out at the upper gates, and assaulted ...
/.../chapter 8 how the romans.htm

How Alexander, Upon the League of Mutual Defense which Cleopatra ...
... he did, when he was almost at her gates; and she ... they saw themselves deserted, burnt
their own houses, that the ... for this attack happened to be made as they ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how alexander upon.htm

A Description of the Temple.
... whereas those that led thither from the other gates were five ... of the temple had no
such little houses any further ... back a very fiery splendor, and made those who ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of 2.htm

How John Tyrannized Over the Rest; and what Mischiefs the Zealots ...
... However, the guards prevented them, and shut the gates, when Placidus made an assault ...
more potent ran away, and the soldiers plundered the houses, and set ...
/.../chapter 7 how john tyrannized.htm

How the Romans Carried their Ensigns to the Temple, and Made ...
... court of the] temple; for there were gates on that ... So he ordered this proclamation
to be made to them ... also were burnt down, as were also those houses that were ...
/.../chapter 6 how the romans.htm

Concerning a Stratagem that was Devised by the Jews, by which they ...
... John's tower, which he built in the war he made against Simon over the gates that
led ... mad dogs, and reeling against the doors of the houses like drunken ...
/.../chapter 3 concerning a stratagem.htm