Definition and Meaning:
Miphkad is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. The name "Miphkad" is often understood to mean "appointment" or "inspection." It is associated with a gate in the city of Jerusalem, which held significance during the time of Nehemiah.

Biblical Reference:
The primary reference to Miphkad is found in the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah 3:31 states: "Next to him, Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the room above the corner." The term "Inspection Gate" is translated from the Hebrew "Sha'ar Miphkad."

Historical and Cultural Context:
Miphkad Gate was one of the gates in the wall of Jerusalem that Nehemiah and the Israelites rebuilt after their return from Babylonian exile. The gates of ancient cities were crucial for defense, trade, and ceremonial purposes. The Miphkad Gate, in particular, is thought to have been used for official gatherings, inspections, and possibly for census purposes. It may have been a place where people were reviewed or mustered, aligning with the meaning of "inspection" or "appointment."

Theological Significance:
The rebuilding of the Miphkad Gate, along with the rest of Jerusalem's walls, symbolizes the restoration and renewal of the Jewish community and their covenant relationship with God. Nehemiah's leadership in this project reflects themes of faithfulness, obedience, and communal effort in the face of adversity. The successful completion of the wall, including the Miphkad Gate, represents God's provision and protection over His people.

Symbolic Interpretation:
In a broader spiritual sense, the Miphkad Gate can be seen as a metaphor for divine judgment and accountability. Just as the gate served as a place of inspection, believers are reminded of the ultimate inspection or judgment by God. It underscores the importance of living a life that aligns with God's commandments and being prepared for His evaluation.

Archaeological Insights:
While specific archaeological evidence for the Miphkad Gate itself is limited, the general area of Nehemiah's wall has been a subject of interest for archaeologists. Excavations in Jerusalem have uncovered portions of walls and gates from various periods, providing insights into the city's historical defenses and layout.

Conclusion:
The Miphkad Gate, though mentioned briefly in Scripture, holds a place of importance in the narrative of Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts. It serves as a reminder of the themes of restoration, community, and divine oversight that are woven throughout the biblical text.Miphkad

(appointed place), The gate, one of the gates of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 3:31) It was probably not in the wall of Jerusalem proper, but in that of the city of David, or Zion, and somewhere near to the junction of the two on the north side.

MIPHKAD; GATE OF

mif'-kad, (sha`ar ha-miphqadh; the Revised Version (British and American) "Hammiphkad" (Nehemiah 3:31)): A gate in, or near, the north end of the east wall of Jerusalem, rebuilt under Nehemiah. Its exact position is uncertain.

See JERUSALEM.

4663. Miphqad -- "appointed place," a gate in Jer.
... NASB Word Usage inspection (1). Miphkad. The same as miphqad; assignment; Miphkad,
the name of a gate in Jerusalem -- Miphkad. see HEBREW miphqad. 4662, 4663 ...
/hebrew/4663.htm - 6k

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... led into the valley of Kedron: but the Horse-gate into the valley of Hinnom, at
that place touching on the valley of Kedron.4. The Gate Miphkad: the Vulgar ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

Miphkad (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MIPHKAD; GATE OF. ... Its exact position is uncertain.
See JERUSALEM. Multi-Version Concordance Miphkad (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/miphkad.htm - 7k

Nethinims (15 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of
the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the ...
/n/nethinims.htm - 11k

Goldsmith's (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 3:31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of
the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the ...
/g/goldsmith's.htm - 6k

Refiner (10 Occurrences)
... After him hath Malchijah son of the refiner strengthened, unto the house of the
Nethinim, and of the merchants, over-against the gate of the Miphkad, and unto ...
/r/refiner.htm - 13k

Dealers (16 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:31 After him repaired Malchijah of the goldsmiths to the place of the
Nethinim and of the dealers, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the ascent ...
/d/dealers.htm - 11k

Mira (1 Occurrence)

/m/mira.htm - 6k

Minute's (1 Occurrence)

/m/minute's.htm - 6k

Malchiah (10 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of
the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the ...
/m/malchiah.htm - 10k

Gate (248 Occurrences)
... probably situated near the Northeast corner of the Temple area. MIPHKAD;
GATE OF. mif'-kad, (sha`ar ha-miphqadh; the Revised Version ...
/g/gate.htm - 63k

Strengthened (113 Occurrences)
... After him hath Malchijah son of the refiner strengthened, unto the house of the
Nethinim, and of the merchants, over-against the gate of the Miphkad, and unto ...
/s/strengthened.htm - 37k

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