The Gates Of Jerusalem: From Nehemiah To Today | Nehemiah 3:14

Malchijah the son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars. — Nehemiah 3:14 SHOUT OUT: Adam Streit from Roseville, MN. Thanks so much for your recent donation. We cannot do what we do without men like you behind us. As you've likely noticed, each gate or entrance to the city holds some significance for its people. In this chapter, 11 gates are listed. Here's the list, along with their respective verses and builders, for your reference: Sheep Gate (Nehemiah 3:1) - Repaired by the priests. Fish Gate (Nehemiah 3:3) - Repaired by the sons of Hassenaah. Old Gate (Nehemiah 3:6) - Repaired by Joiada and Meshullam. Valley Gate (Nehemiah 3:13) - Repaired by Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah. Dung Gate (Nehemiah 3:14) - Repaired by Malchijah. Fountain Gate (Nehemiah 3:15) - Repaired by Shallun. Water Gate (Nehemiah 3:26) - Repaired by the Temple servants in Ophel. Horse Gate (Nehemiah 3:28) - Repaired by the priests. East Gate (Nehemiah 3:29) - Repaired by Shemaiah. Inspection Gate (Nehemiah 3:31) - Repaired by Malchijah, the goldsmith. Muster Gate (Nehemiah 3:31) - Also repaired by Malchijah. The Dung Gate, also known as the Garbage Gate, was particularly notable for being the exit point for refuse from the city. In your Bible, you might notice a slight break here. This is because Nehemiah categorizes the wall into three main sections: North side of the wall in Neh. 3:1-5. West side of the wall in Neh. 3:6-14. East side of the wall in Neh. 3:15-32. For your awareness, today, there are only eight gates in the Old City (one is closed). Here they are: Jaffa Gate - A significant and frequently used gate leading to the Christian and Armenian Quarters. Damascus Gate - A major entrance to the Muslim Quarter and one of the most ornate gates. Herod's Gate - Also known as the Flower Gate, leading into the Muslim Quarter. Lion's Gate - Also called St. Stephen's Gate, it leads to the Muslim Quarter and is near several religious sites. Golden Gate - An ancient and currently sealed gate of significant religious importance. Dung Gate - The closest gate to the Western Wall, primarily used to access the Jewish Quarter. Zion Gate - Leading to the Jewish and Armenian Quarters. New Gate - The newest gate, opened in 1889, providing access to the Christian Quarter. And here is why you need to know this. The gates of Jerusalem mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah differ from those existing in the Old City today. The gates Nehemiah referred to were rebuilt in the 5th century BC. Over time, Jerusalem's walls and gates have undergone destruction, rebuilding, and modifications due to various destructions and reconstructions. The current walls and gates of Jerusalem's Old City predominantly date back to the Ottoman period, specifically the 16th century AD under Suleiman the Magnificent. These structures replaced earlier ones that had seen various states of repair over the ages. While some current gates, such as the Dung Gate, may occupy positions similar to those from Nehemiah's time, they are different structures. Jerusalem's historical and archaeological layers are complex, with each era contributing structures and modifications. So, if you ever visit Jerusalem, the gates mentioned here will differ from Nehemiah's time. They may be close to the original locations, just beneath your feet. But here's why you need to know this (and I hate to spoil the story for you): Nehemiah's work was magnificent but didn't result in the impact he anticipated. The walls were not going to last, and the effort was also not going to have the effect Nehemiah thought. And here's the reason: physical structures might bring people together, but they don't always change the infrastructure of the human heart. We need a better builder for that. And that builder is the divine carpenter—Jesus Christ. Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days, I will raise it up." — John 2:19 So where in your life today are their "gates" or "walls" in disrepair that need to be reconstructed? Identify one area and implore Jesus to raise it up in you. If you want to go to the next level, ask another believer to stand by your side and help. One day, this day might mark an epic moment of change and reconstruction in your life. ASK THIS: Reflect on the gates mentioned in Nehemiah's rebuilding of Jerusalem. How do these physical structures and their purposes compare to the "gates" or areas in your own life that may need rebuilding or renewal? In what ways can you invite God into this process of rebuilding, acknowledging His role as the ultimate restorer and builder of our hearts and lives?