Topical Encyclopedia The Old Gate, also referred to in some translations as the "Jeshanah 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 theological significance, reflecting the enduring legacy of Jerusalem as a center of spiritual and communal life for the Israelites.Biblical References: The primary biblical reference to the Old Gate is found in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah 3:6 states, "Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars." This passage highlights the collaborative effort among the Israelites to restore the city's fortifications, emphasizing the importance of the Old Gate in the overall structure of Jerusalem's defenses. Historical Context: The Old Gate is believed to have been located in the northern part of Jerusalem's wall, possibly near the modern-day Damascus Gate. Its designation as the "Old Gate" suggests that it was one of the original gates of the city, predating the expansions and modifications made during various periods of Jerusalem's history. The gate's strategic position would have made it a critical point of entry and exit, facilitating trade and communication with surrounding regions. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the Old Gate represents the continuity of God's covenant with His people. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, including the Old Gate, symbolizes the restoration of the community's spiritual and social order. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their homeland and reestablishing them as a nation after the exile. The Old Gate, like other gates of Jerusalem, also holds metaphorical significance in biblical literature. Gates often symbolize access, authority, and transition. In the context of Nehemiah's narrative, the restoration of the gates signifies a renewed commitment to the Law of Moses and the reestablishment of Jerusalem as a city set apart for God's purposes. Cultural and Archaeological Insights: While the exact location and structure of the Old Gate remain subjects of archaeological inquiry, its mention in Nehemiah provides valuable insights into the urban planning and defensive strategies of ancient Jerusalem. The collaborative nature of the rebuilding project, as described in Nehemiah, reflects the communal spirit and shared responsibility among the Israelites in restoring their city. In summary, the Old Gate of Jerusalem is a significant element in the biblical narrative of Nehemiah, symbolizing both the physical and spiritual restoration of the city. Its mention underscores the themes of renewal, faithfulness, and communal effort that are central to the account of Jerusalem's reconstruction. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 3:6Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 12:39 Library Overcoming Great Difficulties Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help The Festival of Games, in Honor of Augustus, were About to Begin ... Following the Star. How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem for Five [Six] Years when ... In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... How the Sedition was Again Revived Within Jerusalem and yet the ... The Strait Gate; David's Sorrow. The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem. Resources What will be the purpose of the walls around the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of a city gate in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is the King of glory? | 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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