Topical Bible: Gates of Cities: Troops Reviewed At, Going to War

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In ancient Israelite society, city gates held significant strategic and social importance. They were not only the entry and exit points of a city but also served as places of commerce, legal proceedings, and military organization. The gates of a city were often the location where troops were reviewed and organized before going to war, reflecting their critical role in the defense and administration of the city.

Military Organization and Review

The city gates were a natural gathering place for troops due to their accessibility and centrality. Before a military campaign, soldiers would assemble at the gates to be reviewed by their commanders. This practice is evident in several biblical accounts where military leaders and kings would address their troops at the gates, ensuring that the army was prepared and unified for the impending battle.

In 2 Samuel 18:4, we see an example of this practice: "So the king stood beside the gate while all the men marched out by hundreds and thousands." Here, King David stands by the gate as his troops pass by, indicating the strategic use of the gate as a place for military organization and morale boosting.

Symbolic and Strategic Importance

The gates of a city were not only practical for military purposes but also held symbolic significance. They represented the strength and security of the city. A well-defended gate was crucial for the protection of the inhabitants and the success of military endeavors. In times of war, the gates would be fortified, and soldiers would be stationed there to repel enemy attacks.

The strategic importance of city gates is highlighted in the account of the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. In 2 Kings 25:4, it is recorded: "Then the city was broken into, and all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden, though the Chaldeans were all around the city." This passage underscores the critical role of the gates in both defense and escape during military conflict.

Leadership and Decision-Making

The gates also served as a place for leadership and decision-making. Military leaders would often make strategic decisions at the gates, consulting with elders and advisors. This is illustrated in the account of King Hezekiah, who, during the Assyrian siege, took counsel and made preparations for the defense of Jerusalem at the city gates (2 Chronicles 32:2-6).

Furthermore, the gates were a place where the king or military leader could address the people, offering encouragement and instructions. In Judges 5:8, Deborah and Barak sing of the leaders who "chose new gods; then war was in the gates," indicating that the gates were a focal point for both spiritual and military leadership.

Conclusion

The gates of cities in biblical times were more than mere entry points; they were vital centers for military organization, strategic planning, and leadership. As places where troops were reviewed and prepared for war, the gates symbolized the strength and readiness of a city to face its enemies. Through various biblical narratives, the significance of city gates in the context of warfare is underscored, highlighting their multifaceted role in the life and security of ancient Israelite society.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 18:4
And the king said to them, What seems you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... but the sharzaba, or captain of the troops, often took ... Borsippa, Kuta, Kishu, Dilbat,
and Uruk, "cities without peer ... the town threw open its gates before him.*. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm