Topical Encyclopedia In ancient biblical times, the gates of cities were not merely entry and exit points but served as significant centers for social, economic, and judicial activities. The gates were often the location where councils of state and important civic discussions were held, reflecting their central role in the governance and communal life of the city.Biblical Context and Function The gates of a city were typically large, open spaces that could accommodate gatherings of people. They were strategically located and easily accessible, making them ideal for public meetings and official functions. The gates served as a hub for various activities, including trade, legal proceedings, and the administration of justice. Judicial and Civic Functions The gates were the place where elders and leaders of the city would convene to deliberate on matters of law and governance. In the Book of Deuteronomy, the role of the city gates in judicial proceedings is highlighted: "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined, his father and mother are to take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his city" (Deuteronomy 21:18-19). This passage illustrates the gates as a venue for legal adjudication and the enforcement of community standards. Councils and Leadership The gates were also a place where leaders and officials would gather to discuss and make decisions on matters affecting the city and its inhabitants. In the Book of Ruth, Boaz goes to the city gate to settle the matter of redeeming Naomi's land and marrying Ruth: "Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom Boaz had spoken came along, and Boaz said, 'Come over here, my friend, and sit down.' So he went over and sat down" (Ruth 4:1). This account demonstrates the gate as a setting for formal negotiations and legal transactions. Symbol of Authority and Governance The gates of a city symbolized authority and governance. They were often the site where kings and rulers would address the people, issue proclamations, and exercise their authority. In 2 Samuel, Absalom positions himself at the city gate to win the favor of the Israelites: "Absalom would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for judgment, Absalom would call out to him, 'What city are you from?' And he would answer, 'Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel'" (2 Samuel 15:2). This passage underscores the gate as a place of political maneuvering and influence. Cultural and Social Significance Beyond their administrative and judicial functions, city gates were also places of social interaction and cultural exchange. They were where people gathered to hear news, share information, and engage in communal life. The gates served as a focal point for the community, reflecting the interconnectedness of civic, social, and spiritual life in ancient Israel. In summary, the gates of cities in biblical times were vital centers for councils of state and public affairs. They played a crucial role in the administration of justice, governance, and community life, serving as a testament to the organized and communal nature of ancient Israelite society. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 18:9And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 39:3 Library Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils. Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Letter x. To the Bishops of the Province of vienne. In the Matter ... Justinian. The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations. The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The End of the Quarrel The French Reformation. The French Reformation 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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