Rebuilding the Gates of Jerusalem
Part Two
See also: Part One
In the last issue we talked about how God sent a man named Nehemiah to rebuild the broken-down city of Jerusalem. This story reminds us that God wants to restore the things that are destroyed in our lives. In Isaiah 61 God promises to send someone who gives us “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” () He will “repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” () And that’s exactly what Jesus came to do!
In this Bible study we will look at the last five gates that Nehemiah rebuilt in the wall. Each gate in Jerusalem had a special name and purpose. Let’s see what lessons we can learn from them!
The sixth gate has a nice name. It is the Fountain Gate. Think of the spray of a flowing fountain. Do you remember that the fifth gate was the Dung gate? That’s important to remember. When a person dumps compost out of a bucket, or has tools covered with muck, what do they use to clean up? Flowing water—probably a hose, right? In John 7:38 Jesus says that whoever __________ in Him will have __________ flowing out of their life. What does verse 39 say that this living water is? __________ So we realize that after our sin is taken away by the Lord (at the Dung Gate), His Spirit comes to flow through us and gives us power to live the Christian life. Isn’t that wonderful?!
I got so excited studying about the seventh gate, which is the Water Gate! In John 15:3 Jesus talks about how we are clean by the __________ He had spoken. So I think that this Water Gate can represent the Word of God, which is the Bible. Psalms 119:9 says that we can __________ our way (our life from anything dirty or bad) by paying attention to God’s Word. Words are powerful and have an effect on our lives. Because God’s Word shows us His light and love, how important that we read it and believe it! What Bible verse are you learning or thinking about right now?
In Nehemiah’s time, this gate was repaired by the Nethinims. What a big and strange name! It just means temple servants whose job was to take care of the temple. After all the walls were repaired, the leaders read the law at this very gate. Everyone had gathered there. After the sorrow of confessing their sins, there was great celebrating and praising God for His goodness of cleaning them up and putting them on the right path! An important promise is recorded in Nehemiah 8:10—“The _____ of the __________ is your strength.”
Who likes horses? Well, if you do, you will enjoy this next gate. The Horse Gate was close to the king’s stables. The men of war would ride their horses in and out of the Horse Gate. This gate is a picture of the spiritual warfare that goes on in the Christian life. In Revelation 19:11 Jesus is shown on a __________ horse as a judge and general who is called __________ and __________. One of these words is also used to describe those that follow Jesus in Revelation 17:14. What is it? __________ How can you show that trait today?
Zadok helped to repair this gate. His name means “to be righteous and cleansed,” which is what happens when we trust and follow Jesus (1 John 1:7). I just love the meanings of these names! It often describes what is going on in the repairs of the walls.
The East Gate is gate number nine. The keeper of this gate was Shemaiah, whose name means “God has heard.” This is the gate where the Jewish priesthood entered. Interestingly, Jesus entered through this gate on Palm Sunday, on the donkey! According to Hebrews 4:14, Jesus is our __________. What does that mean?
Today the Muslims have blocked this same gate in Jerusalem because they have heard that Christ will return here for us. They think that if they make it so no one can get in or out, then Jesus will not be able to return! They do not know God’s incredible power, do they? This gate’s meaning is “sun rising” or “shine with light.” This is what happens when we look to the Lord! 2 Corinthians 3:18 says that when we look at Jesus and His glory, then we are __________ into the same __________. If you love Jesus, then you will be excited when He returns! He will raise up those who belong to Him on that great and glorious day!
The Inspection Gate is an appropriate name for the last gate, huh? It is the gate of judgement. It is also known by “Miphkad,” meaning census. This is a reminder of how the Lord will judge us before His great throne one day. In Revelation 20:11-12, it tells us that there are record books, including a special “book of life.” How do we get our names written there? In John 17:3, Jesus tells us that we have eternal life when we know __________ and __________. That is only possible if you __________ Jesus into your life and __________ in His name (John 1:12). Another way to think of this is being saved from your sin, or __________ from the power of darkness and transported into the __________ of God’s Son (Colossians 1:13).
This gate was repaired by Malchijah. He was one of the goldsmiths, and his name means “appointed by God.” Do you think God has a place appointed for you in His kingdom? Does He want to use your life to be a blessing to others? He surely does! If there is anything that is broken down in your life, anything that keeps you from receiving God’s goodness and love, ask Jesus to come and fix it. That’s exactly what He wants to do.
We have circled the wall of Jerusalem at last! Thanks for walking with me. Even better yet, may you walk this journey with our best Friend and Savior, Jesus.