03/25/2015 GATE AND GAIT
Nehemiah 3:1, 3, 6 Then Eliashib, the high priest rose up with his brethren 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….And the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate….And Joiada….repaired the Old Gate. [Revised Standard translation]
John 10:9 Yes, I am The Gate. Those who come in by way of The Gate will be saved and will go in and out and find green pastures. [Living Bible translation]
Summary
The book of Nehemiah is the story of how a Jewish cupbearer to a Persian King was allowed to return to Jerusalem and restore the Temple, the city and the spiritual health of a people after years of exile. There is much discussion about the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, for the walls were considered necessary for the defense and safety of any city.
But, in addition to building the walls, the people also had to rebuild the various gates in the walls. The city of Jerusalem had a number of gates. The third chapter of Nehemiah names some of them: The Sheep Gate (3:1); The Fish Gate (3:3); The Old Gate (3:6); The Valley Gate (3:13); The Dung Gate (3:14); The Inspection Gate (3:31); The Water Gate (3:26); The East Gate (3:29); The Horse Gate (3:28); and The Fountain Gate (3:15). Each gate had a specific function. For example, The Dung Gate was at the far end of the city. Jerusalem’s waste, rubbish and refuse were taken out of the city through that gate. The Horse Gate was located near the king’s stables so that the soldiers of Jerusalem would be able to leave the city and ride out into battle. The Fish Gate was used by the fishermen to bring in their catch for the day and so on.
However, the most sacred gate of spiritual significance was The Sheep Gate. For it was through The Sheep Gate the sheep and lambs would be offered in sacrifice to GOD. So, it was fitting that the high priest and his fellow priests hung the doors to The Sheep Gate and dedicated it and consecrated it to GOD. The very lives of the people depended on The Sheep Gate.
In John10:9, JESUS says “I AM THE GATE.” Not only does this scripture hearken back to THE GOOD SHEPHERD scriptures concerning JESUS providing safety, refuge and peace for HIS sheep (HIS flock---HIS church), but this scripture also hearkens back to JESUS as HIGH PRIEST and our LAMB of GOD. Our very lives (here and hereafter) depend on HIM.