The gates of Jerusalem appear throughout the Bible as significant entry points into the city, each with historical, spiritual, and often prophetic importance. They served both practical functions in defense and commerce, and symbolic roles in worship and governance.
In the Old Testament, Jerusalem had multiple named gates. Nehemiah 3 describes the rebuilding of the city walls and details many gates, including the Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, Old Gate, Valley Gate, Dung Gate, Fountain Gate, and Water Gate. Each gate was associated with specific parts of city life. For example, the Sheep Gate (Nehemiah 3:1) was near the Temple and likely used for bringing in animals for sacrifice.
The gates were also centers of judgment and teaching. Elders sat at the gates to render decisions (Ruth 4:1–11), and prophets often proclaimed God’s Word there (Jeremiah 17:19–27). The Psalmist declared, “Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord” (Psalm 118:19), referring to entering the place of worship with thanksgiving.
Prophetically, the gates also carry future significance. In Ezekiel’s vision of the future Temple, gates are measured and restored in great detail (Ezekiel 40–42). Zechariah 14:10–11 speaks of Jerusalem being safely inhabited, implying security and peace at her gates. Psalm 122:2 says, “Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!” pointing to the joy of worship within God’s holy city.
In the New Testament and the age to come, Revelation 21 describes the New Jerusalem with twelve gates, each named after the twelve tribes of Israel and guarded by angels. These gates never close, for there is no night there (Revelation 21:12, 25), and they signify eternal access to God’s presence.
The gates of Jerusalem represent access to worship, divine judgment, prophetic warning, and future restoration. They reflect both the holiness and the openness of God’s dwelling place, emphasizing the call to enter into His presence with reverence and faith.
