Topical Bible: Gates: Made to Temples

◄ Gates: Made to Temples ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, gates hold significant symbolic and functional importance, particularly in relation to temples. Gates serve as points of entry and exit, marking the transition from the secular to the sacred. They are often mentioned in the context of the construction and function of the temple in Jerusalem, reflecting both the physical and spiritual dimensions of worship in ancient Israel.

Solomon's Temple

The first temple, constructed by King Solomon, featured prominent gates that underscored the temple's grandeur and sanctity. In 1 Kings 6:34-35, the Berean Standard Bible describes the doors of the temple: "He also made two doors out of cypress wood, each with two folding panels. He carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers on them and overlaid them with gold hammered evenly over the carvings." These gates were not merely functional but were richly adorned, symbolizing the glory and holiness of the house of God.

The Second Temple

The second temple, rebuilt after the Babylonian exile, also featured significant gates. In the book of Ezra, the reconstruction of the temple is described, and while specific details of the gates are less emphasized, their presence is implicit in the overall structure. The gates of the second temple served as a reminder of God's faithfulness in restoring His people and His dwelling place among them.

Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple

The prophet Ezekiel provides a detailed vision of a future temple, with an emphasis on its gates. Ezekiel 40:6 states, "Then he went to the gate facing east, climbed its steps, and measured the threshold of the gate; it was one rod deep." The gates in Ezekiel's vision are meticulously measured and described, symbolizing order, holiness, and the divine presence. The eastern gate, in particular, holds eschatological significance, often associated with the coming of the Messiah.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Gates in the context of the temple are rich in symbolism. They represent access to God, the transition from the profane to the holy, and the protection of sacred space. In Psalm 100:4 , the psalmist exhorts, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name." This verse highlights the spiritual posture required of those who approach the temple gates, emphasizing gratitude and worship.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the concept of gates extends to the spiritual temple, the Church. Jesus refers to Himself as the gate in John 10:9 : "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture." Here, the gate symbolizes Christ as the sole means of access to salvation and communion with God.

Conclusion

The gates of the temple, both in their physical construction and spiritual symbolism, play a crucial role in the biblical narrative. They serve as a reminder of the holiness of God, the importance of worship, and the promise of access to His presence through faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 3:2
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Scriptures
... us to this "rock higher than we," to build upon, and against this "the gates of
hell ... Thus we, who were the temples of Satan, are made the temples of God. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture v of the scriptures.htm

How Pompey when the Citizens of Jerusalem Shut their Gates against ...
... party exhorted them to shut the gates, because he ... the wall with such alacrity; and
he made Jerusalem tributary ... and adorned with havens and temples, and changed ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how pompey when.htm

Temples Built by Constantine the Great; the City Called by his ...
... large and beautiful city, and built the gates on an ... it was not polluted by altars,
Grecian temples, nor sacrifices ... to dip his foot in a confection made of honey ...
/.../chapter iii temples built by constantine.htm

How
... the city without fighting, those of his own party opening the gates to him. ... to adore
those whom he took to be gods; and made them build temples, and raise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how.htm

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... not only disfigured the interior of temples, but were ... I have made, especially because
I made it, if ... the centre of this singular monument, of gates with marble ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter ii pagan shrines and.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... be his own usher, he shall receive his people himself, he shall stand at the gates
of heaven ... for your manhood is exalted, he hath made you temples of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... been confined to the subventions from his domain temples of Harran ... morning in a hall,
situated near the gates of the ... caused a record of them to be made in the ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The First Christian Martyr
... Isaiah: "Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands ... Hath not My
hand made all these things ... To him the gates of heaven were ajar, and, looking ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 10 the first christian.htm

Christian Worship,
... temples were turned into churches, but temples were not ... Just within these gates were
those penitents whose time of ... and their seals, the Christians made use of ...
/.../chapter xviii christian worship.htm

On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man.
... Know ye not that your bodies are the temples of the ... 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