Topical Bible: Gates of the Temple: Called Gates of Zion

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The Gates of the Temple, often referred to as the Gates of Zion, hold significant theological and historical importance within the biblical narrative. These gates served as the primary entrances to the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The term "Gates of Zion" underscores the spiritual and cultural significance of Jerusalem, often called Zion, as the heart of Israel's religious life.

Biblical References and Significance

The Gates of the Temple are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing access to God's presence and the communal worship of the Israelites. In Psalm 87:2, the psalmist declares, "The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." This verse highlights the special affection God has for the place where His people gather to worship Him, emphasizing the sacredness of the Temple and its gates.

In the prophetic literature, the gates are often depicted as places of judgment and assembly. For instance, in Isaiah 62:10, the prophet exhorts, "Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Clear it of stones; raise a banner for the nations." This passage reflects the eschatological hope of restoration and the gathering of God's people, with the gates serving as a symbol of open access to divine blessing and salvation.

Historical Context

Historically, the gates of the Temple were not only functional but also symbolic. They were part of the Second Temple, which was a focal point of Jewish worship and identity. The gates were intricately designed and served as the threshold between the secular and the sacred. They were the points of entry for pilgrims and worshippers who came to offer sacrifices and participate in religious festivals.

The gates also played a role in the social and judicial life of ancient Israel. As seen in the account of Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls and gates of Jerusalem, these structures were vital for the city's defense and governance (Nehemiah 3). The gates were places where leaders and elders would sit to adjudicate disputes and make communal decisions, as suggested in Proverbs 31:23, "Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land."

Theological Implications

Theologically, the Gates of Zion represent more than mere physical structures; they symbolize the access to God and the communal aspect of worship. In the New Testament, the concept of gates takes on a spiritual dimension. Jesus refers to Himself as the "gate" in John 10:9, saying, "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved." This metaphorical use underscores the belief that access to God is ultimately through Christ, who fulfills the Temple's purpose as the meeting place between God and humanity.

The imagery of gates also appears in the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:12, where the city is described as having twelve gates, each named after the tribes of Israel. This vision reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people, with the gates symbolizing eternal access to His presence.

In summary, the Gates of the Temple, or Gates of Zion, are rich in biblical symbolism and historical significance. They represent the intersection of divine presence and human worship, serving as a powerful reminder of God's covenantal relationship with His people and the hope of eternal communion with Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 1:4
The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn feasts: all her gates are desolate: her priests sigh, her virgins are afflicted, and she is in bitterness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sixth
... and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof ... The Temple of God is brought
in this Epistle into ... Jehovah loveth the gates of Zion More than all the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth.htm

Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella.
... of old, when "the Lord loved the gates of Zion ... the place of His crucifixion is
spiritually called Sodom and ... it is written: "Rise and measure the temple of God ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlvi paula and eustochium.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... This was called the Chol, or profane' place to which ... was bounded by the wall of the
Temple-buildings in ... flight of steps led up to the massive, splendid gates. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... had been turned aside, and through the inner gates that in ... of Cyrus to aid them in
rebuilding the temple, and this should have called forth expressions of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

The Conquest of Babylon.
... corresponding inclosure, which contained the great temple of Belus ... magnificence of
the buildings, the gates and walls ... New Orleans, and are there called levees.[B ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter viii the conquest of.htm

Jeremiah's Courage in Danger
... you people of Judah who enter these gates to worship him ... often; and have not answered,
although I called you, I ... sent me to prophesy against this temple and city ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jeremiahs courage in danger.htm

Angelic Comforters.
... serve him day and night in His heavenly temple." A portion ... Is it the House of
God"the gates of Zion ... given place to new ones;"others have been called away to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xxii angelic comforters.htm

Blessed Trust
... the 'father of the faithful' as he is significantly called Abraham, 'believed ... whose
charge was committed the keeping of the gates of the Temple, and hence ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/blessed trust.htm

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... in all manner of conversation." "God hath not called us to ... At the foundation of the
second temple, amid the flare ... Do you love the gates of Zion more than all ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm

Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning
... my king upon my holy hill of Zion." As David ... there were two huge columns before the
temple called Jachin and ... whether it be correct, that the gates that swung ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/israel and britain a note.htm