The Gates of Jerusalem

The Gates of Jerusalem

 

         I have studied the Bible in a variety of ways, as I am sure you have. There is the topical study, the examination of a specific book of the Bible, the analysis of a person, but I have never considered the Bible from a “place” perspective. Our trip to Israel prompted this and the journey through scripture has been both enjoyable and insightful. By looking at a specific place and chronicling the events which occurred there these locations have come alive with such a striking depth of antiquity.

         The Gates of Jerusalem, varying in number throughout history, have seen both the miraculous and the profane. I want to share a little of both with you. Join me as we visit a few of the gates traveling both back in history and forward to heaven!

         There are 17 gates mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament). The New Testament mentions only four gates. Today Jerusalem has 7 usable gates and four sealed gates. And finally the New Jerusalem mentioned in Revelation will have twelve gates, all will be a single pearl and named for the twelve tribes of Israel.

         Now time to look at a few specific gates!
 

 This is the Gate Beautiful as seen from the Mount of Olives.

Jesus would have used the gate often. This gate is also mentioned in Acts chapter 3. Peter heals the lame beggar here.

 

 The Zion Gate. It is one of the 8 gates that go into The Old of Jerusalem. You can see the bullets holes all around this gate. In 1967 Israel fought to recapture the Old City from this gate, and won.

 Finally, this is the Dung Gate. Not a very appealing name. But this gate is mentioned throughout the Old Testament and serves an important purpose. This gate is the closest gate to the Temple Mount and it is through here all trash and waste once left the city. The close proximity is not an accident. The priests could quickly dispose of unclean parts of the animal which could not be sacrificed.  Getting the “unclean” removed from the “holy” was and still is vital.  The Dung Gate reminds me to remove the filth from my life. What that looks like varies daily (even hourly some days): a bad attitude, prideful anger, selfishness, and the list goes on.  The gate stands open. I just need to dispose of the trash.