Topical Encyclopedia The Water Gate is one of the notable gates mentioned in the biblical account of Jerusalem, particularly in the context of the rebuilding efforts led by Nehemiah. This gate holds both historical and spiritual significance within the biblical narrative.Biblical References: The Water Gate is specifically mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 3:26, it is noted as part of the extensive rebuilding project of Jerusalem's walls: "And the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out." This passage highlights the strategic location of the Water Gate, situated near the Ophel, an area south of the Temple Mount, which was significant for its proximity to the Gihon Spring, a crucial water source for the city. Another significant mention of the Water Gate is found in Nehemiah 8:1-3, where it serves as the setting for a pivotal moment in Israel's spiritual renewal: "At that time, all the people gathered together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. So on the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. And he read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women, and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law." Historical and Spiritual Significance: The Water Gate's proximity to the Gihon Spring underscores its practical importance, as access to water was vital for the sustenance and survival of Jerusalem's inhabitants. The gate's location also made it a natural gathering place for the people, as evidenced by the assembly described in Nehemiah 8. Spiritually, the Water Gate is associated with the public reading and teaching of God's Law. The gathering of the people at this gate to hear the Law read by Ezra signifies a moment of communal repentance and recommitment to the covenant with God. This event marks a revival of faith and obedience among the Israelites, emphasizing the centrality of God's Word in the life of the community. The Water Gate, therefore, serves as a symbol of both physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment. It represents a place where the community comes together to receive the life-giving water of God's Word, echoing the biblical theme of water as a metaphor for spiritual cleansing and renewal. Architectural and Archaeological Insights: While the exact location and structure of the Water Gate during Nehemiah's time remain subjects of archaeological investigation, its mention in the biblical text provides valuable insights into the layout and infrastructure of ancient Jerusalem. The gate's association with the Ophel and the Gihon Spring suggests it was part of a network of gates and walls that facilitated access to essential resources and protected the city from external threats. In summary, the Water Gate of Jerusalem is a significant biblical site that embodies both the practical needs and the spiritual aspirations of the people of Israel. Its role in the narrative of Nehemiah highlights the importance of communal worship, the reading of Scripture, and the renewal of faith in the life of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 3:26Moreover the Nethinims dwelled in Ophel, to the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lies out. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 8:3 Library Overcoming Great Difficulties Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth The Festival of Games, in Honor of Augustus, were About to Begin ... Following the Star. Reading the Law with Tears and Joy A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem. In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast' The Strait Gate; By the Sea of Galilee - the Final Call of the First Disciples, and ... 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 |
    |