Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Entered by Gates

◄ Jerusalem: Entered by Gates ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, the ancient and sacred city, holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. Throughout the Scriptures, the city is often depicted as being entered through its gates, which serve as both literal and symbolic points of access. The gates of Jerusalem are mentioned numerous times in the Bible, highlighting their importance in the life and governance of the city.

Historical and Symbolic Significance

The gates of Jerusalem were not merely physical structures but also held symbolic meaning. They were places of commerce, judgment, and social interaction. The elders of the city would often sit at the gates to render judgments and make important decisions (Deuteronomy 21:19; Ruth 4:1-2). The gates were also places where prophets would deliver messages from God, as seen in the ministry of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 17:19-20).

Biblical References

1. Nehemiah's Reconstruction: The Book of Nehemiah provides a detailed account of the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls and gates after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah 3 lists the various gates, including the Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, and the Valley Gate, among others. Each gate had its own significance and purpose, contributing to the city's defense and daily life.

2. Prophetic Imagery: The gates of Jerusalem are often used in prophetic literature to convey messages of hope and restoration. Isaiah 60:11 states, "Your gates will always stand open; they will never be shut, day or night, so that the wealth of the nations may be brought into you, with their kings being led in procession." This imagery speaks to a future time of peace and prosperity for Jerusalem.

3. Jesus and the Gates: In the New Testament, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is marked by His passage through the city's gates. In Matthew 21:10 , it is written, "When Jesus had entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, 'Who is this?'" This event, known as the Triumphal Entry, fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 and signifies Jesus' messianic role.

4. Eschatological Vision: The Book of Revelation presents a vision of the New Jerusalem, with its twelve gates named after the twelve tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:12). These gates symbolize the fulfillment of God's promises and the eternal access believers will have to His presence.

Cultural and Religious Practices

The gates of Jerusalem were integral to the religious life of the Israelites. Pilgrims would enter through these gates during the major feasts, such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, to worship at the Temple. Psalm 122:2 reflects the joy of entering the city: "Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem."

Conclusion

The gates of Jerusalem, both in their historical context and their symbolic representation, underscore the city's central role in God's redemptive plan. They serve as reminders of the city's past, its prophetic future, and the spiritual truths that transcend time.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 122:2
Our feet shall stand within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 17:19-21
Thus said the LORD to me; Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

First Attempts on Jerusalem.
... only finished a short time before the taking of Jerusalem.[2] Jesus ... were especially
scrupulous in watching that no one entered within the inner gates in a ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xiii first attempts on.htm

The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ...
... Thence they rode to Jerusalem. ... Having entered the city gates, they passed throngs
of cattle and their drivers and many worshippers hurrying to the temple. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 11 the dark was.htm

Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... how Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates are destroyed ... and let us rebuild the wall
of Jerusalem, that we ... go to work and build?" So they entered heartily into ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/nehemiahs answer to a call.htm

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... which stood on the eastern side of Jerusalem, to the ... Between these two gates there
was a third, leading to ... finished, and through it Jesus had entered the town ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... And the gates of it shall not be shut at all ... showed me that great city, the holy
Jerusalem, descending out ... stand upon his feet, that the Spirit entered into him ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

His Journey to Rome, Venice, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land
... reaching the city, he found the gates closed. ... and although provided with no certificate,
entered unquestioned by ... get money for his voyage to Jerusalem, he felt ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter iv his journey to.htm

"Let us Pray"
... upon the hosts of the king of Arabia, took him prisoner, slew his army, and divided
the spoil, and then entered the gates of the city of Jerusalem in triumph. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/let us pray.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. ... they were that came to them, and were entered the city ...
/.../chapter 4 the idumeans being.htm

The Surrender of Gischala; While John Flies Away from it to ...
... the agreement; whereupon the people opened their gates to him ... overtake him, for he
was gotten to Jerusalem before; they ... So he entered the city in the midst of ...
/.../chapter 2 the surrender of.htm

How Antiochus Made a League with Ptolemy and How Onias Provoked ...
... Brought All Things Right Again, And Entered Into Friendship ... who had been ambassador
at Jerusalem, and had ... were slain, they opened their gates, and willingly ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how antiochus made.htm