The Gate of the Fountain, also referred to as the Fountain Gate, is one of the notable gates mentioned in the biblical accounts of Jerusalem, particularly in the context of the city's reconstruction during the time of Nehemiah. This gate holds historical and spiritual significance, reflecting the restoration efforts and the symbolic renewal of the people of Israel.

Biblical References:

The primary biblical reference to the Gate of the Fountain is found in the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah, a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, was instrumental in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. The Gate of the Fountain is specifically mentioned in Nehemiah 3:15:

"Shallun son of Col-Hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it, roofed it, and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah, near the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that descend from the City of David." (Nehemiah 3:15)

This passage highlights the collaborative effort of the Israelites under Nehemiah's leadership to restore the physical and spiritual integrity of Jerusalem. The mention of the Pool of Shelah and the king's garden suggests the gate's proximity to significant water sources, which were vital for the city's sustenance and defense.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The Gate of the Fountain was likely located on the southeastern side of Jerusalem, near the Pool of Siloam. This area was crucial due to its access to water, which was essential for the city's inhabitants and for ritual purification purposes. The gate's strategic position would have made it a key point for both daily life and military defense.

The rebuilding of the Gate of the Fountain, along with other gates and sections of the wall, was a testament to the determination and faith of the Jewish people. It symbolized their commitment to reestablishing their identity and covenant relationship with God after the exile.

Symbolic Significance:

In a spiritual sense, the Gate of the Fountain can be seen as a representation of renewal and cleansing. Water, often associated with purification and life in biblical literature, underscores the gate's symbolic role in the restoration narrative. The rebuilding of this gate, therefore, not only served a practical purpose but also signified a deeper spiritual revival among the people of Jerusalem.

The efforts to restore the Gate of the Fountain and the surrounding walls were marked by prayer, dedication, and reliance on God's provision and protection. Nehemiah's leadership and the people's collective resolve reflect a profound trust in God's promises and a desire to honor Him through their work.

Conclusion:

The Gate of the Fountain stands as a historical and spiritual landmark in the biblical narrative of Jerusalem's restoration. Its mention in the Book of Nehemiah serves as a reminder of the importance of faith-driven action and the enduring significance of Jerusalem as a center of worship and community for the people of Israel.Nehemiah 3:15
But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and to the stairs that go down from the city of David.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Overcoming Great Difficulties
... And I said to them, "Let not the gates of Jerusalem ... out of every ten should live
in Jerusalem, the sacred ... right upon the wall toward the Dung Gate; and behind ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/overcoming great difficulties.htm

Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... carefully the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and the places where its
gates had been destroyed by fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/nehemiahs answer to a call.htm

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... Between these two gates there was a third, leading to some ... after that gate by which
Jesus left Jerusalem when bearing ... be seen, as well as the gate of Bethlehem ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.htm

The Festival of Games, in Honor of Augustus, were About to Begin ...
... Crowding at the gates were gladiators from Greece and Rome ... They sang of the glories
of Jerusalem and the ... Thracian, standing by the arena's gate, saluted the king ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 24 the festival of.htm

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
... of the vulgar, carried dead out of the gates, and buried at ... here was that gate, called
the "Gate of the ... [18] This drying up of the Jerusalem fountain of Siloam ...
/.../chapter 13 the great slaughters.htm

The Idumeans Being Sent for by the Zealots, came Immediately to ...
... were put into battle-array, and came to Jerusalem, under four ... and to cut the bars
of the gates to pieces ... made use of their saws, and opened that gate which was ...
/.../chapter 4 the idumeans being.htm

From the Talmud and Hebraica
... Chapter 21 Jerusalem. ... Chapter 30 The Gate of Nicanor, or the East Gate of the Court
of ... Chapter 31 Concerning the Gates and Chambers lying on the South Side of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/

The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
... to wit, the sound of the gate of the ... Channah saith, Rabbi Jochanan saith, from Jerusalem
to Jericho ... hinges, indeed, not farther, but the gates themselves are ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 46 the country of.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... Let us depart hence." The great eastern gate, which was ... thine enemy shall distress
thee in thy gates."(44 ... fearful scene, and thus have spared Jerusalem the full ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... Let us depart hence." The great eastern gate, which was ... enemy shall distress thee
in thy gates." Deuteronomy 28 ... scene, and thus have spared Jerusalem the full ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

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