Topical Bible: Gates of Cities: Shut at Night-Fall

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Topical Encyclopedia

In ancient biblical times, the gates of cities held significant importance both practically and symbolically. They served as the primary points of entry and exit, and their management was crucial for the security and order of the city. One of the key practices associated with city gates was their closure at nightfall, a measure taken to protect the inhabitants from potential threats and to maintain peace within the city walls.

Biblical References and Context

The practice of shutting city gates at night is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting its importance in the daily life and security protocols of ancient cities. In the book of Joshua, the city of Jericho is described as being "tightly shut up because of the Israelites" (Joshua 6:1), indicating that the gates were closed to prevent any surprise attacks or infiltration by enemy forces.

Similarly, in the book of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates is a central theme. Nehemiah instructs that the gates of Jerusalem should not be opened until the sun is hot, and that they should be shut and barred while the gatekeepers are still on duty (Nehemiah 7:3). This directive underscores the importance of vigilance and the role of gatekeepers in maintaining the city's security.

Symbolic and Cultural Significance

The closing of city gates at night also carried symbolic weight. Gates were not only physical structures but also places of judgment, commerce, and social interaction. They were where elders and leaders would gather to make decisions and where legal matters were settled (Deuteronomy 21:19, Ruth 4:1). The act of closing the gates at nightfall symbolized the end of daily activities and the transition to a time of rest and protection.

In a broader spiritual sense, the closing of gates can be seen as a metaphor for the protection and safeguarding of one's heart and mind. Just as city gates were shut to prevent the entry of enemies, believers are encouraged to guard their hearts against spiritual threats and influences (Proverbs 4:23).

Historical and Archaeological Insights

Archaeological findings have provided further insights into the construction and function of city gates in biblical times. Excavations at sites such as Megiddo, Gezer, and Lachish have revealed complex gate structures with chambers and towers, designed to enhance defense capabilities. These gates often featured multiple doors and were reinforced with bars and bolts, reflecting the strategic importance of controlling access to the city.

The practice of shutting gates at night was not unique to Israelite cities but was common throughout the ancient Near East. It was a practical response to the dangers posed by marauders, wild animals, and other nocturnal threats. The presence of watchmen and gatekeepers was essential to ensure that the gates were properly secured and that any attempts at unauthorized entry were thwarted.

Conclusion

The biblical practice of shutting city gates at nightfall serves as a testament to the importance of security, vigilance, and community order in ancient times. It reflects a broader cultural understanding of the need to protect one's home and community from external threats, a principle that resonates with the spiritual teachings found throughout the Scriptures.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 2:5
And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: where the men went I know not: pursue after them quickly; for you shall overtake them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 13:19
And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... Her central place of worship seems, originally, to have been in the region of the
Anti-taurus, and it was there that her sacred cities"Tyana, Venasa, and the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... and left to levy contributions on the cities of the ... with the fugitives, had closed
their gates and refused to ... all the kings of the country being shut up within ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... The gates of heaven are mentioned in the account of ... kinds, the rules for the founding
of cities, and the ... run towards the low limestone hills which shut in the ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... to secure for him the opening of the gates of Athens ... of land was so narrow, and the
sea so shut in, that ... and had received the homage of the cities of Thessaly ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... He built cities, among them Thebes itself, according to some ... lay down within it,
immediately the conspirators shut to the ... the means of opening the gates of his ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... or Lycaonia, across the central steppe and through the Cilician Gates, to the ... of
hostilities with the Khati, Egypt could communicate with the cities of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Down the Islands
... have burst into Fairyland"to be at the gates of The ... a comfort to one fresh from the
cities of the ... distances north and south are foreshortened, or shut in by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... It was the duty of certain genii to open gates in Hades ... Men in their cities saw the
sun faint and fail, and ... is the first to rise, often before nightfall; in the ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm