Rebuilding The Walls and Gates. Nehemiah 3

 

Nehemiah 3. Rebuilding the Walls and Gates

 

The sheep gate is where it all began. This is the gate where Jesus entered Jerusalem. It is through this gate the animals were brought for sacrifice. The Sheep Gate speaks of the Cross of Christ. His Son died for you. It is the sheep gate which sets that concept before us.

The Fish Gate was brought in from the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. Jesus said to the men who followed Him, “…I will make you fishers of men.” Matt. 4:19.

The Old Gate was one that had been there from the beginning. “Thus, saith the Lord. Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…” Jeremiah 6:16.

The Valley Gate is the one that led out o the city of Jerusalem down into the valley. It could have been on any side of the city because you must go down into the valley to get out of Jerusalem. It is the gate of humility, the gate of humbleness. Humility is a fruit of the Spirit.

Today the Dung Gate leads to the wailing wall in Jerusalem, but in Nehemiah’s day it was located at the southwest angle of Mount Zion. The Dung gate was where the filth was carried out. Honest confession is how we get out the garbage.

The Gate of the Fountain. When a believer is filled with the Spirit, he is not just a well, but a fountain of living water which will gush out to be a blessing to other people.

The Water Gate was the gate used to bring water into the city. It pictures the Word of God. We are washed by the water of the Word. The water gate was not repaired because when the other gates and walls were torn down, the water gate remained intact. The Word of God does not need any repairs.

The Horse Gate speaks of the “soldier” service of the believer today. The horse was a symbol of war. We are not fighting against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces in this battle. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. That is the only weapon we need to use.

The East Gate was the first one opened in the morning because it was facing in the direction of the rising sun. There is a little glimmer of light, and we have hope.

Gate Miphkad means “review” or “registry” When a stranger came to Jerusalem, they had to stop at the gate and register. It was here where David reviewed his soldiers returning from battle.