Topical Bible: Gates: Made to Rivers

◄ Gates: Made to Rivers ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, gates often symbolize points of entry, transition, or access, both in the physical and spiritual realms. The concept of gates made to rivers is particularly evocative, as it combines the imagery of a controlled entryway with the dynamic and life-giving nature of water. This imagery is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, often highlighting themes of provision, protection, and divine intervention.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Isaiah 26:2 · "Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter—the nation that keeps faith." While this verse does not directly mention rivers, the opening of gates is a metaphor for allowing access to God's blessings and presence. In a similar way, gates made to rivers can symbolize the opening of channels through which God's provision flows.

2. Ezekiel 47:1-12 · This passage describes a vision of water flowing from the threshold of the temple, eventually becoming a river that brings life wherever it flows. Although gates are not explicitly mentioned, the temple's threshold acts as a gateway for the river, symbolizing the outpouring of God's life-giving presence. The river's transformative power is a testament to the divine source from which it flows.

3. Psalm 24:7-10 · "Lift up your heads, O gates, be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may enter." While this passage speaks of gates in a more general sense, the imagery of opening gates to allow the entry of the King of glory can be paralleled with the opening of gates to rivers, signifying the welcoming of divine presence and blessing.

Theological Implications

Gates made to rivers can be seen as a metaphor for the channels through which God's grace and sustenance flow into the lives of believers. Just as rivers provide water essential for life, the spiritual rivers that flow through these gates bring renewal, healing, and sustenance to the soul. This imagery underscores the importance of being open to God's provision and the transformative power of His presence.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, cities were often built near rivers for practical reasons, such as access to water for drinking, agriculture, and trade. Gates leading to these rivers would have been crucial for the city's survival and prosperity. In a spiritual sense, gates made to rivers in biblical texts may reflect the necessity of maintaining open access to divine resources and blessings.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of gates made to rivers serves as a reminder to remain open to God's guidance and provision. It encourages a posture of receptivity, where one actively seeks and welcomes the flow of God's Spirit into every aspect of life. This openness can lead to spiritual growth, renewal, and a deeper relationship with God.

In summary, the imagery of gates made to rivers in the Bible is rich with meaning, symbolizing access to divine provision and the transformative power of God's presence. It calls believers to maintain open channels for God's life-giving Spirit to flow into their lives, bringing renewal and blessing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nahum 2:6
The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm XXIV.
... 622] founded above the seas, and prepared above the rivers? ... not, the entrances which
ye have made, of desire ... "And be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates." And be ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxiv.htm

Psalm CVII.
... fulness, and not rather see that they would die of satiety: "And they came near,"
he saith, "even unto the gates of death ... "He made the rivers a wilderness ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cvii.htm

Nahum's Doom of Nineveh
... The shield of his mighty men is made red: The valiant men are in scarlet: The chariots
flash with steel in the day of his ... The gates of the rivers are opened ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/xi nahums doom of nineveh.htm

The Son is of one Substance with the Father. ...
... cxxxix. 14. "My bones were not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, [when ... Et
miles captivus adductus est." RV--"The gates of the rivers are opened and ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiv the son is.htm

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... not even if it be planted in the midst of rivers? ... He was by advance made God, from
being made by nature ... Lord, at Whom the keepers of hell's gates shuddered and ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xii on the words.htm

The Washing Away of Sins is Indicated by the White Robes of the ...
... And whilst some said "Lift up your gates, O princes ... the image of God in the Whose
image thou wast made. ... which many waters cannot quench, nor many rivers drown. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii the washing away.htm

The New Jerusalem.
... wife, although before referred to, is again made the subject ... call thy walls Salvation,
and thy gates Praise. ... Rivers of gladness water all the Earth, And clothe ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm

The Conquest of Babylon.
... They used for all this masonry a cement made from a ... quantities floating down one
of the rivers which flowed ... These openings were secured by gates of brass, which ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter viii the conquest of.htm

Of the Situation of Britain and Ireland, and of their Ancient
... snails, of which the scarlet dye is made, a most ... hot springs, and from them flow
rivers which furnish ... all strongly secured with walls, towers, gates, and bars. ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap i of the situation.htm

On the Incarnation and Redemption
... home God has prepared for us, and its gates are His ... A. The Son of God was conceived
and made man by ... springs of water broke forth, and all the rivers and lakes ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 7 on the incarnation.htm