THE GATES AND MINISTRY
Chapter 3 of the Book of Nehemiah describes the building of the walls and gates of Jerusalem. Many Bible scholars and students have discerned a pattern to the order the gates are presented, and their purpose, in the chapter. It is believed that the order that the gates are named in, and the purpose the gates served, are symbolic of the ministries and purpose of the church. Let us look at the 10 gates of the city, what the purpose of the gate was for the city in that time, and what ministry and purpose they have for the church today.
The Sheep Gate - ministry to God’s people
The first gate mentioned is the Sheep Gate. It was called the sheep gate because the sheep and lambs for temple sacrifice were kept just outside this gate. The first priority of ministry in the church is to the people of God. If the church loves the Lord – they should be feeding His sheep. Another symbolic purpose of the sheep gate being first is that our walk in faith as a Christian begins with the realization that Jesus was the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. The Sheep Gate was along the north wall, to the east side. Today, the sheep gate is known as St. Stephen’s Gate or the Lyons Gate.
The Fish Gate - ministry to the lost
The second gate named in the order of restoration is the Fish Gate. It was called the fish gate because it was near the market where fishermen brought their catch to be sold. To the church today it should represent the ministry to the lost. Jesus called out to his first disciples saying "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” The church needs to be involved in the ministry of evangelism. They need to be fishing.
The Old Gate - foundation principles of the Word & church
Moving around the wall in a counter-clockwise direction, the third gate named in Nehemiah 3, in the northwest corner of Jerusalem, is the Old Gate. The symbolic representation of the Old Gate is to hold onto and treasure the foundation principles of the Word and the church. The old ways of truth never change, and are the foundation of learning. This is not to say we have to hold onto old practices or ways of doing things, but rather hold onto the foundations of our faith. A firm foundation provides the support from which the church can reach the world. New ways grow out from, rather than contradicts, the old truths and foundation.
The Valley Gate - ministry of compassion
The Valley Gate, which is along the southwest part of the wall of the old city, opens up and leads into the Valley of Hinnom and overlooks the Kidron Valley. We sometimes refer to times of trials and tribulations as going through valleys. Nehemiah says the Valley Gate was restored by a man named Hanun, whose name translates or means to bend and stoop in kindness. That makes it fitting that the Valley Gate represents the ministry of kindness and compassion. The local church should be performing the ministry of compassion: caring for, and feeding and clothing the poor, troubled, and less fortunate.
The Dung (Refuse) Gate - ministry of purging or cleansing
The fifth gate named in the 3rd chapter of Nehemiah is the Dung Gate. The word “dung” will make you either smile or cringe. The Dung Gate led down to a valley where all the refuse and trash from the city was dumped. A fire was kept burning there at all times to consume the trash and rubbish. To the church, the dung gate represents cleansing and purging. In everyone's life, there are things that must be disposed of that separate us from God. The message of repentance and the confession of sin can cleanse us. For a ministry dealing with cleansing, the church would have a counseling ministry or a place where people can go for personal help.
The Fountain Gate – ministry of restoration
The 6th gate named in the 3rd chapter of Nehemiah, located in the southeast corner of the city, is the Fountain Gate. The Fountain Gate was near the King’s Pool and the Gihon Springs. The Fountain Gate represents restoration, refreshing, and praise. It should bring to our minds the cleansing and refreshing of the living waters of the Holy Spirit.
The Water Gate – ministry of the Word
Continuing around the city in a counterclockwise direction, and appropriately near the Fountain Gate, we come to the Water Gate. It also was near the King’s Pool and other sources of water. In our study of the symbolic representations of the gates of Jerusalem, the Water Gate represents the ministry of the Word of God. Scripture tells us that we are washed by the water of the Word. Like being bathed in water, we experience a cleansing, renewing and refreshing when we immerse ourselves in the Word of God.
The Horse Gate – ministry of burden bearers
The Horse gate was the gate where horses were brought in and out of the city. Horses were used as beasts of burden and vehicles of warfare. Horses carried burdens and moved objects too large and heavy for men. Every church needs spiritual burden bearers. In Galatians 6:2 Paul writes that we should bear one another’s burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ. Examples of spiritual burden bearers are intercessors, encouragers, and counselors. Along with the spiritual burden bearers, the church needs physical burden bearers- people that fulfill a ministry by doing the labor and working behind the scenes to enable the church to perform its functions and reach people.
The East Gate – perfecting the bride of Christ
The East Gate looked due east, toward the Mount of Olives. The East Gate is now known as the Golden Gate, and was sealed up and blocked off by Arabs many centuries ago. The Bible prophesies (Ezekeil 43:1-2, Zechariah 14:4) that when Jesus returns, He will enter Jerusalem by the East Gate. No seals or blocks will prevent the Word of God from being fulfilled. The East Gate, then, speaks of the return of Jesus Christ. The church and ministries today should seek to turn people toward Christ. Jesus is coming! He is seeking a bride without spot or wrinkle.
The Inspection Gate – gate of inspection & recruitment
The 10th and last gate named is the Miphkad Gate, also known as the gate of inspection or recruitment. It was in the northeast corner of the city. This is a gate where people assembled. It was an appointed place where people were counted or census was taken. It was the place where people enlisted in service. Its spiritual representation is as the place for enlisting in the army of God’s servants. The church is called to build an army of God’s servants and equip them for ministry.
In the next part of this series we pick back up with the scripture starting in chapter 4, where the opposition intensifies and threats are made.
Much of the source material for this study comes from the following:
“Studies in Nehemiah” book by Dr. Ronald E. Cottle. 1997
Syllabus and Study Guide for the course “Studies in Nehemiah,” by Dr. Ronald E. Cottle
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