The Sheep-Gate holds significant historical and theological importance in the context of Jerusalem and biblical narratives. It is mentioned specifically in the Book of Nehemiah, which provides insight into its role and symbolism within the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the Sheep-Gate is found in Nehemiah 3:1: "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and installed its doors, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel."

Historical Context:

The Sheep-Gate was one of the gates in the walls of Jerusalem, located in the northeastern part of the city. It was named for its function as the entry point through which sheep were brought into the city, particularly for sacrificial purposes in the Temple. This gate's proximity to the Temple Mount underscores its importance in the religious life of ancient Israel, as it facilitated the flow of sacrificial animals necessary for the various offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law.

Symbolic Significance:

In the biblical narrative, the Sheep-Gate carries rich symbolic meaning. It represents the beginning of the rebuilding efforts led by Nehemiah upon his return from exile. The fact that the high priest Eliashib and his fellow priests initiated the reconstruction of this gate highlights its spiritual significance. The Sheep-Gate can be seen as a symbol of spiritual renewal and dedication, as it was the first gate to be rebuilt and consecrated, setting the tone for the restoration of Jerusalem's walls.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the Sheep-Gate can be viewed as a foreshadowing of Christ, the "Lamb of God," who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Just as sheep entered through this gate for sacrifice, Jesus entered Jerusalem, ultimately to be sacrificed for the sins of humanity. This connection underscores the continuity between the Old Testament sacrificial system and the New Testament fulfillment in Christ's atoning work.

Relevance in Christian Tradition:

In Christian tradition, the Sheep-Gate serves as a reminder of the call to spiritual vigilance and the need for continual renewal and dedication to God's purposes. It encourages believers to participate in the work of building and restoring the spiritual "walls" of their lives and communities, ensuring that they remain open to the transformative work of Christ.

Archaeological Insights:

While the exact location of the ancient Sheep-Gate is a subject of scholarly debate, archaeological excavations in Jerusalem have provided insights into the city's historical layout during the time of Nehemiah. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the biblical text and the historical context in which these events occurred.

In summary, the Sheep-Gate is a multifaceted symbol within the biblical narrative, representing both historical reality and spiritual truth. Its mention in Nehemiah serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God's people in rebuilding and dedicating their lives to His service, while also pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.One of the gates of Jerusalem mentioned by Nehemiah (3:1, 32; 12:39). It was in the eastern wall of the city.

On the Words of the Gospel, John v. 2, "Now There is in Jerusalem ...
... testament. Sermon LXXIV. On the words of the Gospel, John v. 2, "Now there
is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool," etc. [CXXIV. Ben.] ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxiv on the words.htm

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose,
was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
... Passover.] 2 Now there is [the present tense is used, for while the city was destroyed,
the pool evidently still existed.] in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxvii jesus heals on the.htm

The Greatest Trial on Record
... He was led into Jerusalem by the sheep-gate, the gate through which the lambs
of the Passover and the sheep for sacrifice were always driven. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the greatest trial on record.htm

Sabbath Cure at Bethesda.
... to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which
is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches. In these ...
/.../xii sabbath cure at bethesda.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... The sheepgate also was in sight, through which for centuries the victims for sacrifice
had been led, and which was to open for Him when He should be "brought ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... The sheep gate also was in sight, through which for centuries the victims for sacrifice
had been led, and which was to open for Him when He should be "brought ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Third Miracle in John's Gospel
... our present purpose which Feast it was on which Jesus went up to Jerusalem, nor
whether the pool was by the sheep-market or by the sheep-gate, nor whereabouts ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the third miracle in johns.htm

A Sabbath Healing in Jerusalem.
... to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which
is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches. In these ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/a sabbath healing in jerusalem.htm

Healing the Man at the Pool
... There was a festival of the Jews in Jerusalem, and Jesus went there. In Jerusalem
there is a pool beside the sheep gate. In Hebrew it is called, Bethesda. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/healing the man at the.htm

Sheepgate (1 Occurrence)
...Sheepgate (1 Occurrence). John 5:2 Now there is in Jerusalem, at the sheepgate,
a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. (DBY). ...
/s/sheepgate.htm - 6k

Sheep-gate (2 Occurrences)
Sheep-gate. Sheepgate, Sheep-gate. Sheep-'gate . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(DBY WBS YLT). Sheepgate, Sheep-gate. Sheep-'gate . Reference Bible.
/s/sheep-gate.htm - 7k

Sheep-'gate (1 Occurrence)
Sheep-'gate. Sheep-gate, Sheep-'gate. Sheepherders . Multi-Version
Concordance Sheep-'gate (1 Occurrence). John 5:2 ...
/s/sheep-'gate.htm - 6k

Bethesda (1 Occurrence)
... kolumbethra, "a swimming bath") with five porches, close to the sheep-gate or Market
(Nehemiah 3:1; John 5:2). Eusebius the historian (AD 330) calls it "the ...
/b/bethesda.htm - 11k

Hananel (4 Occurrences)
... The company of Levites coming from the West passed "by the fish gate, and the tower
of Hananel, and the tower of Hammeah, even unto the sheepgate" (Nehemiah 12 ...
/h/hananel.htm - 9k

Sheep (413 Occurrences)
... Alfred Ely Day. SHEEPGATE. (sha ... corner. See JERUSALEM. For the "sheepgate"
of John 5:2, see BETHESDA; SHEEP MARKET. SHEEP MARKET. ...
/s/sheep.htm - 52k

Hammeah (2 Occurrences)
... It was the most important point on the walls of Jerusalem in going West from the
SheepGate, and is mentioned along with the T. of HANANEL (which see ...
/h/hammeah.htm - 8k

Market (24 Occurrences)
... SHEEP MARKET. (John 5:2, the Revised Version (British and American) "sheepgate"):
The Greek (he probatike) means simply something that pertains to sheep. ...
/m/market.htm - 19k

Gate (248 Occurrences)
... Masterman. SHEEPGATE. (sha`ar ... northeast corner. See JERUSALEM. For the "sheep
gate" of John 5:2, see BETHESDA; SHEEP MARKET. VALLEY GATE. (sha ...
/g/gate.htm - 63k

Tower (74 Occurrences)
... It was the most important point on the walls of Jerusalem in going West from the
SheepGate, and is mentioned along with the T. of HANANEL (which see ...
/t/tower.htm - 52k

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