Topical Bible: Gates: Often Two-Leaved

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, gates served as critical components of city fortifications, temple complexes, and royal palaces. They were not merely functional but also held symbolic and ceremonial significance. The term "two-leaved" refers to gates that consist of two leaves or doors, which could be swung open or closed. This design was prevalent in ancient architecture, providing both security and grandeur.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The concept of two-leaved gates is notably mentioned in the context of divine intervention and prophecy. In Isaiah 45:1, the prophet speaks of Cyrus, the Persian king, as an instrument of God's will: "This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him so that the gates will not be shut." . Here, the "doors" and "gates" symbolize the ease with which God would enable Cyrus to conquer and fulfill His purposes, emphasizing divine sovereignty over human affairs.

Function and Design

Two-leaved gates were typically constructed from wood and reinforced with metal, such as bronze or iron, to withstand attacks and provide durability. The design allowed for a wide opening, facilitating the movement of people, animals, and goods. In 1 Kings 6:34, the construction of the temple by Solomon includes a description of such gates: "The two doors were made of cypress wood, each with two folding panels." . This passage highlights the craftsmanship and attention to detail in sacred architecture.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Gates often served as places of judgment, commerce, and social interaction. In Deuteronomy 16:18, the Israelites are instructed to appoint judges and officials in their gates: "Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly." . This underscores the gate's role as a center of community life and governance.

In a spiritual sense, gates also represent access and exclusion. Psalm 24:7-9 poetically 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!" . This imagery conveys the anticipation and reverence due to God's presence, illustrating the gate as a threshold between the divine and the earthly.

Prophetic and Eschatological Imagery

In prophetic literature, gates often symbolize future hope and restoration. Ezekiel's vision of the new temple includes detailed descriptions of its gates, emphasizing their beauty and sanctity (Ezekiel 40-48). Revelation 21:12-13 describes the New Jerusalem with twelve gates, each named after the tribes of Israel, signifying the fulfillment of God's promises and the unity of His people: "The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel." .

Conclusion

The imagery of two-leaved gates in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of divine authority, protection, and the intersection of the sacred and the secular. Whether in historical narratives, prophetic visions, or poetic expressions, these gates reflect the multifaceted role they played in the life and faith of ancient Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 45:1
Thus said the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Return of the Exiles
... to open before him the two-leaved gates; and the gates ... turned aside, and through
the inner gates that in ... Often had Daniel and his companions gone over these ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

Marvellous Increase of the Church
... Nay, the two-leaved gates open, the bars of brass give way; and Cyrus himself sends
them back ... For my own part, I am often not like a dove on the wing, but like ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/marvellous increase of the church.htm

The Holy Ghost --The Great Teacher
... says, "I have gone astray like a lost sheep." That means very often: for if a ... It
is the Spirit's work to unbar the two leaved gates, and bring us into a truth ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the holy ghostthe great teacher.htm

Victor Emmanuel, Emancipator
... him, he will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two-leaved gates. ... How
often do the ungodly tell us that they cannot renounce the world, cannot ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/victor emmanuel emancipator.htm

Holy Song from Happy Saints
... I wish we often had broken through order and decorum ... once more given back to you
from the gates of the ... are ready to cry out, "Open, ye two-leaved gates, and let ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/holy song from happy saints.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... with few exceptions, the High-Priest - however often changed - were ... North and south
were four gates. ... A two-leaved gate opened into the Sanctuary itself, which ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

Cyrus, the Servant Of-The Lord {4}
... Persian hero in words so grand that they have been often enough applied ... of kings;
That I may open before him the two-leaved doors, And the gates shall not ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/cyrus the servant of-the lord.htm

The Servant of the Lord.
... Persian hero in words so grand that they have been often enough applied ... of kings;
That I may open before him the two-leaved doors, And the gates shall not ...
/.../kingsley/lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture iv the servant of.htm

Spiritual Appetite
... but fed on rye or barley cakes, and often had to ... name is the open sesame of the gates
of Paradise ... of opposing foes, and will open the two-leaved gates, and cut ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/spiritual appetite.htm

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
... his comrade, this new moral decision became to him, as so often, the beginning of ...
6162] But behind this great mystery have closed the two-leaved gates of brass ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm