In biblical times, gateposts were significant architectural and symbolic elements in ancient Israelite society. They served both practical and ceremonial purposes, marking the entrance to cities, homes, and sacred spaces. The gatepost, often made of stone or wood, was a critical component of the gate structure, providing support and stability.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Gateposts are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing protection, authority, and the threshold between different realms or states of being. In Deuteronomy 6:9, the Israelites are commanded to write the words of God's commandments on the doorposts of their houses: "Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates." . This practice, known as the mezuzah, serves as a constant reminder of God's laws and presence in the daily lives of the faithful.

In the context of city gates, gateposts were part of the fortified structures that protected ancient cities. The gates were places of judgment and commerce, where elders and leaders would gather to make decisions and conduct business. For example, in the account of Ruth, Boaz goes to the town gate to settle the matter of redeeming Ruth (Ruth 4:1-11). The gateposts, therefore, were witnesses to legal transactions and community governance.

Covenantal Significance

The gatepost also holds covenantal significance. In Exodus 12:7, during the first Passover, the Israelites were instructed to apply the blood of the lamb to the doorposts and lintels of their homes: "They are to take some of the blood and put it on the two side posts and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs." . This act was a sign for the Lord to pass over their homes during the final plague in Egypt, sparing the firstborn of Israel. The blood on the doorposts symbolized divine protection and the covenant between God and His people.

Spiritual Implications

Spiritually, gateposts can represent the boundary between the sacred and the profane. They mark the transition from the outside world into a place of refuge, worship, or family life. In Proverbs 8:34, wisdom is personified and speaks of those who watch daily at her gates, waiting at the posts of her doors: "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway." . This imagery suggests a posture of readiness and attentiveness to divine wisdom and instruction.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, gates and their posts were often adorned with inscriptions or symbols that conveyed messages of power, ownership, or religious devotion. Archaeological findings have uncovered gate structures with intricate carvings and reliefs, indicating the importance of gates as both functional and decorative elements in ancient architecture.

Gateposts, therefore, are more than mere structural components; they are imbued with rich theological and cultural meanings. They serve as reminders of God's commandments, witnesses to communal life, and symbols of divine protection and covenantal faithfulness.1. (n.) A post to which a gate is hung; -- called also swinging / hinging post.

2. (n.) A post against which a gate closes; -- called also shutting post.

4201. mezuzah -- a doorpost, gatepost
... 4200, 4201. mezuzah or mezuzah. 4202 . a doorpost, gatepost. Transliteration:
mezuzah or mezuzah Phonetic Spelling: (mez-oo-zaw') Short Definition: doorposts ...
/hebrew/4201.htm - 6k

Wesley Unhorsed
... In our return, my mare rushing violently through a gate, struck my heel against
the gatepost and left me behind her in an instant, laid on my back at full ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley unhorsed.htm

Gatepost (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A post against which a gate closes; -- called also shutting post.
Multi-Version Concordance Gatepost (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel ...
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Gatekeepers (38 Occurrences)

/g/gatekeepers.htm - 19k

Gateposts (1 Occurrence)

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Rub (1 Occurrence)
... 6. (vt) To hinder; to cross; to thwart. 7. (vi) To move along the surface of a body
with pressure; to grate; as, a wheel rubs against the gatepost. ...
/r/rub.htm - 8k

Gatepost: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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