Topical Bible: The Evening: Custom of Sitting at the Gates In

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Topical Encyclopedia

In ancient biblical times, the city gate held significant importance as a central hub for social, economic, and judicial activities. The custom of sitting at the gates during the evening was a common practice, deeply rooted in the cultural and societal norms of the time. This practice is frequently referenced in the Bible, highlighting its role in the daily life of the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern societies.

Cultural and Social Significance

The city gate was more than just an entry point; it was a place where people gathered to discuss matters of importance, conduct business, and engage in social interaction. In the evenings, after the day's labor was done, men would often sit at the gates to relax, converse, and participate in communal life. This setting provided an opportunity for elders and leaders to impart wisdom, settle disputes, and make important decisions.

Judicial and Administrative Functions

The gates served as a venue for legal proceedings and the administration of justice. In Deuteronomy 21:19, the elders of the city are instructed to bring a rebellious son to the gate for judgment: "His father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him to the elders at the gate of his city." This passage illustrates the gate's role as a place where legal matters were addressed and community standards upheld.

Similarly, in Ruth 4:1-2, Boaz goes to the town gate to settle the matter of redeeming Naomi's land and marrying Ruth: "Meanwhile Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer Boaz had mentioned came along, and Boaz said, 'Come over here, my friend, and sit down.' So he went over and sat down. Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, 'Sit here,' and they did so." This account underscores the gate's function as a place for formal transactions and legal agreements.

Prophetic and Symbolic References

The gates also held symbolic significance in the prophetic literature of the Bible. They were often used metaphorically to represent the strength and security of a city. In Proverbs 31:23, the virtuous woman's husband is described as being "respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land." This imagery conveys honor and authority, as the gates were a place where respected leaders and wise men gathered.

Furthermore, the prophets frequently used the imagery of gates to convey messages of judgment and restoration. In Amos 5:15, the prophet calls for justice to be established at the gates: "Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph." This exhortation emphasizes the gate's role as a place where righteousness and justice should prevail.

Conclusion

The custom of sitting at the gates in the evening was an integral part of ancient Near Eastern life, serving as a focal point for social interaction, legal proceedings, and community leadership. The biblical references to this practice highlight its importance in maintaining order, justice, and communal harmony within the society of the time.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 19:1
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Testament of Abraham. Version I.
... the supper was ended, Abraham prayed after his custom, and the ... For late in the evening
when I washed his feet in ... two gates there he saw a man sitting upon a ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham version.htm

Songs of Deliverance
... he who looketh Christ in the face each evening, may well ... and this deprives us of
the delightful sitting at his ... You are the serfs of custom, and you have not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/songs of deliverance.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... hope seem to lie afar off, behind the evening-mist ... [1186] It was in accordance with
this custom, that, [1187 ... In some part of this Temple, sitting in the midst of ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... It was the custom for women, when they went out in the evening, or if ... servants who
had been sent on already arrived, and the holy women sitting weeping in ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.htm

Marvellous Increase of the Church
... know, brethren, it used to be the custom with our ... Let evening blush to own a star ...
upwards towards Jesus, prayerful, laborious, active; not sitting still, doing ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/marvellous increase of the church.htm

Acts of Andrew and Matthias
... gone in with his disciples, he found Matthias sitting and singing ... For it was a custom
in that city, and they did ... And when it was evening they cast him into the ...
/.../unknown/acts of andrew and matthias/acts of andrew and matthias.htm

The Third Continental Journey.
... not once opened at the different custom-houses, but ... of religion in Geneva, he proposed
their sitting awhile in ... Last evening she banded me out of her portfolio ...
/.../chapter xiii the third continental.htm

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... Jesus could be found "in the Temple; sitting in the ... was in conformity with this
universal custom that Jesus ... morning to the time of the evening sacrifice (Sanh ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
... Before sitting down to their melancholy watch over the Crucified ... was to be cut down,
according to custom, in the ... had arrived - that is, on the evening of the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

Pagan Cemeteries.
... swamps of the Maremma, and of their evening meetings, dates ... I. The mediaeval and
Renaissance custom of "laureating ... One day, while sitting at a state banquet in ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vi pagan cemeteries.htm