Topical Bible: Gates of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed At

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In ancient biblical times, the gates of cities held significant importance not only as physical structures but also as centers of social, economic, and religious activities. The gates served as places of judgment, commerce, and public assembly. However, they were also locations where idolatrous rites and practices were often performed, reflecting the spiritual apostasy that plagued Israel and surrounding nations.

Biblical Context and Significance

The gates of a city were more than mere entry points; they were the heart of civic life. In the Bible, city gates are frequently mentioned as places where leaders and elders would gather to make legal decisions and conduct business (Deuteronomy 21:19; Ruth 4:1). However, these gates also became sites of idolatrous worship and pagan rituals, which were strictly forbidden by God.

Idolatrous Practices at City Gates

The Bible provides several instances where idolatrous practices were conducted at city gates, highlighting the spiritual decline of the people. In 2 Kings 23:8, King Josiah is noted for his reforms, which included the desecration of high places at the gates of the city. The text states, "Then Josiah brought all the priests from the cities of Judah and defiled the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He tore down the high places of the gates at the entrance of the gate of Joshua, the governor of the city, which were on the left of the city gate."

The gates were often associated with altars and high places where incense was burned to foreign gods, a practice condemned by the prophets. Ezekiel 8:3 describes a vision where the prophet is taken to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where he sees the "seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy." This imagery underscores the abominations committed at the gates, provoking God's righteous anger.

Cultural and Religious Implications

The presence of idolatrous rites at city gates reflects the syncretism that infiltrated Israelite worship. Despite clear commandments against idolatry (Exodus 20:3-5), the Israelites often adopted the religious customs of neighboring nations, leading to spiritual corruption. The gates, being central and visible locations, symbolized the public acceptance and normalization of these practices.

The prophets frequently rebuked the people for their idolatry, calling them to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. Jeremiah 7:2-3 records the prophet standing at the gate of the LORD's house, proclaiming, "Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah who enter through these gates to worship the LORD. This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your deeds, and I will let you live in this place."

Theological Reflection

The idolatrous rites performed at city gates serve as a poignant reminder of the constant struggle between faithfulness to God and the temptation to conform to worldly practices. The gates, intended to be places of justice and community, became symbols of spiritual infidelity. This historical reality calls believers to vigilance in guarding their hearts and communities against the encroachment of idolatry in any form.

The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the need for purity in worship and the rejection of all forms of idolatry. The gates of cities, once defiled by pagan practices, are a testament to the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the urgent need for spiritual renewal and reform.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 14:13
Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Acts XIV
... when first greeted as gods, or the gates of the ... who had been prominent in the idolatrous
proceedings felt ... several Churches in each of these cities, and that ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiv.htm

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra.
... places of concourse; in the streets of cities, in the ... an argument in favour of their
own idolatrous religion ... brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xv paul and barnabas.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... might not associate with them in their idolatrous rites, but be ... then shall there
enter into the gates of this ... And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Knox's Writings from Abroad: Beginning of the Scottish Revolution ...
... England deserved an idol, and an idolatrous idol, for ... Thus, in Deuteronomy, cities
which serve "other gods," or ... a paper to be affixed upon the gates and posts ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter viii knoxs writings from.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... was made throughout the streets of the cities, and men ... The city gates were guarded
that none might escape ... water or the wine employed in idolatrous worship, that ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

Antichrist.
... that which gave being to the cities destroyed before ... emperors stand barefoot at their
gates; they have ... there was such a superstitious, idolatrous, bloody people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... what we are told of idolatrous practices in Judah under ... Borsippa, Kuta, Kishu, Dilbat,
and Uruk, "cities without peer ... the town threw open its gates before him.*. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Therefore, as all the religious rites and ceremonies ... was such a superstitious,
idolatrous, bloody people ... a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

A Discourse
... the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be ... condition, shall certainly stand;
'The gates of hell ... Her confronting idolatrous nations is therefore a sign of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... The cities which had hitherto hesitated to join them, now espoused their cause ... one
after another; Kyme and Clazomenae next opened their gates; the Carians were ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm