Topical Encyclopedia The Sheep Gate holds significant historical and theological importance in the context of Jerusalem's ancient city structure and biblical narrative. It is one of the gates mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. The Sheep Gate is specifically referenced in Nehemiah 3:1 and Nehemiah 3:32.Biblical References: 1. Nehemiah 3:1 : "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set up its doors, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel." 2. Nehemiah 3:32 : "And between the upper room above the corner and the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs." The Sheep Gate was the first gate mentioned in the account of the rebuilding efforts led by Nehemiah. Its reconstruction was initiated by Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests, highlighting its spiritual significance. The act of consecrating the gate underscores its sacred role in the life of the city and its inhabitants. Historical and Theological Significance: The Sheep Gate was located in the northeastern part of Jerusalem's wall, near the Temple Mount. It is traditionally believed to have been the gate through which sheep were brought into the city for sacrificial purposes at the Temple. This connection to sacrificial offerings underscores the gate's symbolic association with purification and atonement, central themes in the Old Testament sacrificial system. Theologically, the Sheep Gate can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, the "Lamb of God," who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Just as sheep entered through this gate for sacrifice, Jesus entered Jerusalem, ultimately to be sacrificed for the sins of humanity. This typology enriches the understanding of the gate's role within the broader biblical narrative. Cultural and Religious Context: In the context of Nehemiah's time, the rebuilding of the Sheep Gate was not merely a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal for the people of Israel. The priests' involvement in its reconstruction signifies the intertwining of religious duty and civic responsibility. The Sheep Gate's restoration was part of a larger effort to reestablish Jerusalem as a fortified city and a center of worship, reflecting the community's commitment to their covenant relationship with God. The Sheep Gate's mention alongside the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel also indicates its strategic importance in the city's defense. These structures were integral to the protection of Jerusalem, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. Conclusion: The Sheep Gate, therefore, stands as a testament to the faith and dedication of the Jewish people during a pivotal moment in their history. Its role in the sacrificial system and its typological connection to Christ provide rich layers of meaning for understanding its place in the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 3:1Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even to the tower of Meah they sanctified it, to the tower of Hananeel. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 5:2 Library Overcoming Great Difficulties A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem. Psalm LXXXVII. Psalm C. The Destruction of Jerusalem. In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... A Glance at Jerusalem. The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: The Strait Gate; The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple Resources What is the significance of the twelve gates in Revelation 21? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What are the gates of hell? | 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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