Nehemiah - Sermon 8
Gates Of Truth
Text: Psalm 24:7-10
Introduction
The gates in the wall around Jerusalem tell a story about the life of the Christian and his destiny. They also speak of those who rejected the gospel.
The preservation and focus of Jerusalem through centuries past to the present are not accidents. God has kept the Jews in East Jerusalem for over 3,000 years throughout many wars and battles, and is still keeping Jerusalem today. He has a story to tell the people of every nation in the world about Jerusalem. Let us, therefore, take a walk of faith around the wall of the of Jerusalem, a province of Judah in the time of Nehemiah, and examine each of its twelve gates. You will be blessed.
1) The Sheep Gate
A. Let’s begin by observing some facts
The Sheep Gate is the first gate identified in the wall around Jerusalem. It was used for bringing into the city the sheep and lambs used in the temple for sacrifice. Sheep are symbols of sacrifice in Scripture.
this area was crucially important for the defense of the Temple Mount. The mount was surrounded by steep valleys on every side, except on the north. This was the reason why there had to be defensive towers on the north. And it was incumbent upon Eliashib as the appointed leader of the nation to take the lead in fortifying this vulnerable location.
B. What are we reminded of?
The Sheep Gate speaks to us of the cross and the sacrifice that was made for our sins. Jesus’ death on the cross is the starting point for Christians.
we have turned willfully and stubbornly in our own way, the way of our hearts the way that our appetites and passions led us.
We have set up ourselves as our own masters, to do what we want and have what we want
2) The Fish Gate
A. Some Facts
The Fish Gate was so named because the fishermen of Galilee would bring their fish in through this gate to be sold.
It was in the northern wall next to the tower of Hananeel.
This tower was part of the city’s defence system and was situated near the citadel, where the soldiers guarded the temple and protected the northern approach to the city, which was especially vulnerable.
B. What are we reminded of?
Fishing is a symbol of witnessing to others. We tell others that we belong to Christ.
We witness by our words and actions, and it is a natural progression in our Christian life that after receiving Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we would then want to tell others about it.
3) The Old Gate
A. Some Facts
It was identified with the “Mishneh Gate.”
The Hebrew word means “New Quarter.” In Nehemiah’s day, the north-west section of the city was called the Mishneh or New Quarter, and this gate led into it. It was repaired by the Jebusites.
During the dedication ceremony of the wall around Jerusalem the gate is listed among the gates the choir procession passed over as they circled the city in celebration.
B. What are we reminded of?
We must be holy in practice. God has endowed us with free will. He commands His people to be holy, but He will not force them to be so. We must of our own free will exercise that provision and power.
4) The Valley Gate
A. Some Facts
The Valley Gate96 was located at the south-western corner of Jerusalem.
Several valleys surrounded Jerusalem, and this gate opened out to the valley of Hinnom.
We can learn much from the lengthy sections of walls between the Valley Gate and the Old Gate. The Valley Gate and its adjacent walls required lots of repairs and had to be done by the largest teams on the project.
B. What are we reminded of?
5) The Dung Gate
A. Some Facts
The Dung Gate 131was located at the southernmost point of the city, near the pool of Siloam.
It was the main exit to the valley of Hinnom, where the city disposed of its garbage.
The first mention of dung is about sacrifices. The law required that the dung and certain parts of the animal not be burned on the altar, but outside the camp.
Dung was used as fuel.133 During the summer, in some villages, it was gathered and mixed with straw, made into cakes and dried, and used for heat in the winter or for cooking all through the year when there was no wood or other fuel.
B. What are we reminded of?
In the same way that trash would not have been left to stink up the city, so must sin be taken out of the heart of the believer and destroyed. There are some things we must put off.
put away lying,
refuse to give place to the devil,
put away stealing
not corrupt the communication that comes out of your mouth,
not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, and
let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour and evil-speaking be put away from you, with all malice.