Open wide the Gates of Jerusalem
Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty –
he is the King of glory.
Psalm 24:7-10
The current Old City of Jerusalem is surrounded by a City Wall with various Gate entrances. Though the positions have been adapted in the intervening years, we read In Nehemiah 3 of repairs made to ten gates and the walls. They are listed in the order of their locations, beginning with the Sheep Gate near the north-eastern wall corresponding to the general proximity of the modern Lion’s Gate.
This blog pictures and reflects on those gates, both ancient and modern.....
Below are two depictions of the Old City of Jerusalem.
Current (Below) and in Nehemiah`s time (Below left)
The Bible speaks of the gates of Jerusalem in many different contexts. As the city walls are built, destroyed, and moved, the gates are bricked up, restored, or renamed. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out which gate the text speaks of! Some gates mentioned appear to be not in the outer wall but in the wall providing access to the king’s palace or Temple Mount. Current walls and gates pictured were built by Suleiman the Magnificent, who provided six gates; along with several older gates, which had been walled up before the arrival of the Ottomans remain. Many areas have and are being excavated providing new light on history.
Sheep Gate
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now called:
Lion Gate
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also called
St. Stephen`s Gate
"Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel." Nehemiah 3:1
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"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 10:14-15
Just inside the Sheep Gate the pool of Bethesda
is found. (right -->) It is Identified as the location
of the healing of the paralysed man, who was waiting a cure from the stirred waters. (John 5)
Bethesda means "House of Mercy" - a fitting
place for God to show His mercy!
Located near the ancient sheep market, it was through this gate they would bring the sacrificial animals for the temple. The priests also would use this gate and was the only gate that was 'sanctified.'
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
"Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
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“I am the gate for the sheep. … whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. ... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:7-10
Reflection:
The priests in Nehemiah, built this gate but with no mention of bolts or bars. Such free access can speak to us of the salvation Jesus, our High Priest provided for us, to open the way and restore free access to the Father.
Entering in, mercy is found, and healing takes place.
Herod`s Gate
also called:
Flower Gate
This gate on the North wall, built in the 1530`s by Suleiman the Magnificent as an entrance to the newest area of the Second Temple era. Gates afford easy access and protect the City. In the Old Testament, the City Gates were places of meeting, discussing community issues, making contracts, issuing judgements by the elders, and seeking wisdom.
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she
cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech:
Proverbs 1:20-21
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Is not wisdom found among the aged?
Does not long life bring understanding?
Job 12:12
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The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,
and their tongues speak what is just.
Psalm 37:30
“Stand at the gate of the Lord’s house and there proclaim this message: ‘Hear the Word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord.’”
Jeremiah 7:2
Reflection
Where do you find wisdom?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7
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If any of you lacks wisdom, you
should ask God, who gives generously
to all without finding fault, and it
will be given to you.
James 1:5
Fish Gate
now
Damascus Gate
along this northern wall
also stood
Ephraim Gate
West of Herod’s Gate, along the northern wall, is the modern Damascus Gate which stands at the approximate location of the ancient Fish Gate. Fishermen would bring their catch from the Mediterranean and Galilee.
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"Come, follow me," Jesus said,
“and I will send you out
to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19
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No wonder, a fish became the symbol of New Testament Christianity!
"On that day," declares the Lord, "a cry will go up from the Fish Gate, wailing from the New Quarter, and a loud crash from the hills.
Zephaniah 1:10
Inside Damascus Gate.(above) Older Gate lower down --->
Reflection:
Zephaniah, a descendent of Nehemiah, goes on in v.12 with the challenge to those who are complacent about God Complacent about our call to come to Jesus, or His call to be `fishers of people` bringing them to know the Saviour.
The Ephraim Gate isn’t mentioned in Nehemiah’s tour of the walls in Nehemiah 3, but it is mentioned during the Feast of Tabernacles (Nehemiah 8:16) and the dedication of the wall (Nehemiah 12:39) So it appeared not in need of restoration, It is in series with the Old Gate, Fish Gate, and the Sheep Gate. "Ephraim" means "double fruitfulness."
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Reflection: As His Church, we are called not only to be fruitful, but doubly fruitful.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing
John 15:5
Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12
Old Gate
now
New Gate
possible
Corner Gate
Zechariah 14:10
The Old Gate was located in the north-west corner of the city, the section of the city called the Mishnah, or new quarter. So, the old gate led to the new quarter! This reminds us of the never changing message.
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.
Jeremiah 31:31
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.
Matthew 5:17
Nehemiah’s Old Gate.
It is remarkable that today’s gate stands in the same proximity and is called, New Gate!
Reflect
The New does not negate the Old. The Law
of Love (Matthew 22:34-40) in the New Testament actually fulfils all of the points of the Old testament law, it does not do away with them.
Sometimes it is good to look and explore the older "ancient path" to draw Truth from it, that will support the new.
Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16
Valley Gate
now
Jaffa Gate
Reflect
The gate with the
low valley beyond reminds us of the need for humility when coming to the throne of Grace.
In 1917, British General Allenby entered the Old City on foot through the Jaffa Gate, giving a speech at the nearby Tower of David. He wished to show respect for the Holy City and a desire to avoid comparison with Kaiser Wilhelm II`s flamboyant entry in 1898 when he told the Turks to break down the wall to create an entrance for him!
Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, …
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
Joshua 24:15
Jaffa Gate has taken the place of the ancient Valley Gate, though the portion of the city wall lies further west than it did in the city of David and Nehemiah`s time. The Jaffa Gate, overlooks the low valley of Gehenna; leading to the road heading towards Joppa on the Mediterranean coast. It required good defences without a natural defensive landscape as seen by building David`s Citadel
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Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, and at the Valley Gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them. 2 Chronicles 26:9
Reflect
Who and where is your strong tower?
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10
Zion Gate
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:2-3
This medieval gate saw much action during the 1948 War of Independence and became known as the "Wounded Gate" due to the many bullet holes. The Jewish neighbourhood inside was laid siege to by Jordanians but the Jewish militia attacked, broke the siege and evacuated the Jews. From 1948 until the 1967 war, Zion Gate remained shut.
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. Psalm 9:1-3
I may declare your praises in the gates of Daughter Zion, and there rejoice in your salvation. v.14
Reflect
On the great things He
has done and express joy,
whilst acknowledging the wounds we have.
Tanners Gate
A minor pedestrian gate situated just west of Dung Gate, on the southern wall. Serving as an entrance gate to the local tanneries, existent during the Crusader Period
"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
Matthew 19:24
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A laden camel would need to be unpacked before it could enter through such a small gateway, which helps to illustrate the `eye of the needle`
Ancient excavated Roman Cardo leading to mall
Reflect -
Consider our material riches - a blessing or hindrance?
The Dung Gate lies southwest of the Western Wall, near the southern wall of the Temple Mount. it was located as far south as the ancient wall would take you. Trash was taken out through the Dung Gate – at the bottom of the Gehenna valley to the dump ground and burnt in a place known as Hinnom. A valuable service for the City.
This reminds us of repentance. It is important to take out the trash in our lives, and get rid of it as we enter the Holy Place - which physically now is a pristine place close to the Temple area and Western Wall, the Holiest site for the Jewish nation.
Dung Gate
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also known as
Silwan Gate
Reflect
What is the garbage in our lives that needs removal and burning?
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything
that contaminates body and spirit,
perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2 Corinthians 7:1
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
Isaiah 64:6
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Fountain Gate
"On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.
Zechariah 13:1
Huldah Gates on southern wall of Temple Mount
Reflect
The journey of cleansing brings relationship of new teaching, awe, righteousness, and makes us a well-watered garden (Song of Solomon 4:15)
Situated near the southern steps going down from Temple Mount to the Pool of Siloam.. which came from the Gihon Spring or fountain. The exact location has not been found but on the Southern steps are the now sealed Huldah gates which gave entry to the Temple Mount. There are several Mikveh - ritual baths - in the area.
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“The Teaching of the wise is a
Fountain of Life" Proverbs 13:14
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“The Fear of the Lord is a
Fountain of Life" Proverbs 14:27
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“The mouth of the Righteous is a Fountain of Life" Proverbs 10:11
The fountain speaks of living water - the Holy Spirit, poured out. Jerusalem springs provided abundant water for the city.
Read more in Water of Life
Jeremiah lamented that the people had rejected God:
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“My people have committed two sins:
They have forsaken me, the spring of living water,
and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns
that cannot hold water. Jeremiah 2:13
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Having got rid of the rubbish at the Dung Gate, the Fountain Gate was a place of cleansing and refreshing to be fit to enter the Holy place. Quite a transformation! When Nehemiah recced the broken walls and gates, the area of the Fountain Gate blocked progress and required much repair.
Reflect -
What is your response to the Living Fountain of Life?
Can you say with the Psalmist : “All my fountains are in you.”
As they make music they will sing,
“All my fountains are in you.” Psalm 87:7
Reflect
Called to live in the power of the Living Water, are there any blocks stopping the free flow?
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say,
"Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes
take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17
Water Gate
Located in the
Eastern Wall
of the lower city,
near the
Gihon Spring
Ezra read, 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. Nehemiah 8:3
area of excavation near the Gihon Spring -->
Reflect:
Reading the Word of God demands a response [see Nehemiah 8] - responding with worship, lament, joy and obedience
The Water Gate and Gihon Spring represents cleansing, a life of fellowship with God – of worship that keeps us spiritually attuned to God’s will for our lives.
Nehemiah and Ezra gathered all the people at the Water Gate and read the Law of Moses where they stood for hours to hear the precious Word - and revival broke out. The Water Gate became the place of gathering, teaching, and fellowship.
God`s Word, His Truth is essential as flowing water is.
How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your Word. Psalm 119:9
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Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word Ephesians 5:26
Horse Gate
Location not known
In David’s day, this gate was used for an entrance to horse stables. Though the area of Solomon’s stables was misnamed, being within the Temple compound, it is likely that stables were nearby. Over the centuries, the underground area just inside the Temple’s southern wall, took on the name of Solomon’s stables because of this gate.
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now something greater than Solomon is here. Luke 11:31
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Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness. Psalm 29:2
Reflect
The horse serves mankind. Perhaps the spiritual significance of this gate teaches that we are to serve. At the Water Gate, we worship and serve God and at the Horse Gate, we serve humanity.
Horses were a symbol of power and war as they were used in battle. (Remember Jesus wished for a different expectation by riding a donkey into Jerusalem - meaning peace) However, we need to be prepared for battle​​
Put on the full armour of God Read Ephesians 6:10-18
Antonia Palace
Model of Jerusalem
City Walls and
Southern wall of Temple
Eastern Gate
also know as
Gate Beautiful
and the
Mercy Gate
The gate is made up of two blocked archways,
the southern arch is know as the Gate of Mercy,
the northern arch is known as the Gate of Repentance.
Christian and Jews connect the Gate with the coming of the Messiah.. Muslims associate it with future judgement.
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The Eastern Gate was the most ornate and important of all the gates leading into the Temple courtyard, and represents our welcome entrance into heaven’s glory at the end of our earthly life.
v1. Then the man brought me to the gate facing east, and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east.
v.4 The glory of the Lord entered the temple through the gate facing east.
Ezekiel 43
Then the man brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, the one facing east, and it was shut. The Lord said to me, "This gate is to remain shut. It must not be opened; no one may enter through it. It is to remain shut because the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered through it.
Ezekiel 44:1-2
Ezekiel`s vision revealed this Eastern Gate having a special place in God`s destiny for the world.
Opposite this gate is the Mount of Olives from which Jesus rode on His entry on Palm Sunday. The expectation is that the Messiah will return and enter Jerusalem through this gate to reign from Jerusalem.
Suleiman the Magnificent, had the Eastern Gate sealed to prevent the Jewish Messiah from gaining entrance to Jerusalem.. A Moslem cemetery also is outside to impede progress and in the belief that the dead will rise first at the end times.
This gate speaks of the Coming of the Messiah. for the Jews - The second
coming of Jesus for Christians!
A man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful,
where he was put every day to beg from
those going into the temple courts.
Acts 3:2
On that day his feet will stand on the Mount
of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount
of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. 5 ... Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.
Zechariah 14:4
Reflect
God talks to us in many ways.
Through beauty, through events,
through prophecy...
What is God saying through
the Gates of Jerusalem?
I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out Luke 19:40
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What is He saying to you?
The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord,
and his name the only name. Zechariah 14:9
We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord`s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2;14
Inspection Gate
also known as
Mipkhad Gate,
Muster Gate
and
Gate of Gathering
This gate was where the soldiers were reviewed close to David`s Palace. It can remind us of gathering together with a common aim as well as the judgment seat of Christ
Gathering at the Western Wall
Jesus said:
"For where two or three
gather in my name, there
am I in their midst."
Matthew 18:20
Before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne
and before the Lamb. Revelation 7:9
Security entrance to the Western Wall where thousands gather
“Miphkad” has several meanings: including mustering or gathering, appointment, designated place, numbering like in a census. The Miphkad Gate led into the Temple courtyard, where people come together to worship God at the "appointed place" where the ark came to reside. The "appointed place" of God's presence.
For believers, it could represent the Judgment Seat of Christ – a time when we will be called upon to give an account of our lives.
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For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. Romans 14:10b
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This inspection / judgment of believers differs from non-believers. We won't be judged for our sins, that have been dealt with by Jesus on the Cross but we will be inspected and rewarded as to a reckoning of our stewardship, and our faithfulness.
My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.
1 Corinthians 4:4
Reflect
How well have you served the Lord?
Have you assurance of your end-time judgement?
Kotel Gate Security
New army recruits who will help keep the Old City --> peaceful are given a tour of the pilgrimage sites.
Many were interested and excited to see these places having not served in Jerusalem before.
