Gates of the City
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Gates
Gates
We don’t have physical walls around cities anymore. So when we think about the Gates of a city, we might think of a castle with gates that close to protect a city from enemies. In the past, Gates were opened to give entrance to a city, or entrance to a territory.
The Bible describes many different things that happened in the Gates of a city or Kingdom.
1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
“Lot was sitting in the gates of Sodom,” to us, the description “in the gates” sounds odd because we don’t have physical gates anymore.
2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. 3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
In the Gates
In the Gates
From this place “in the gates”, which was a position of recognized authority, Lot received these strangers and offerred them refuge, knowing the evil in the city.
'Gates' in biblical Israel Gates were opened to give entrance to a city, or entrance to a territory. But the Gates weren't just a doorway into the city. The Gate was not just a passageway through the defensive wall surrounding the city. It was typically a massive and often complex structure, consisting of an outer gate and an inner one providing a second line of defense, with a space in between. It was in this space between the inner and outer gates, which was sometimes just a corridor with recessed guardrooms, and sometimes a more spacious courtyard – that the Bible calls “in the gates.”
Based on biblical references and archaeological finds, much life took place within that area, called “in the gates”. That space served as a combination of town hall, ad hoc law court, something like our “National Mall” in Washington DC, as a marketplace, and as a park bench.
Archeologists discovered a Gate like this in the ancient city of Dan (Abraham rescued Lot, taking him back from the marauding army at Dan). City Gates were made of Stone, Iron, Wood, Bronze and were strong to resist assault and protect when closed.
In Israel, the Law was read at the Gates.
1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.
It was also true, that Pagan Religious services were held at the city gates.
13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
While we no longer have physical gates with connecting walls between them, the activities that happened “in the gates” are still part of Governments and relationships between people and societies.
Can we recognize these gates of power and influence today?
Government
Government
Federal: executive, legislative, judicial
State: executive, legislative, judicial
Local: executive, legislative, judicial, police, fire, first responders
Church: Board, Pastor, Elders
Military
Military
Courageous and wise leaders
God’s protection
Continual dependence on God
Media
Media
Communicators of truth
Sharing inspirational stories
Respecting others
Business
Business
Leaders of honesty and integrity
Creators of economic blessing
Helpers and givers to local community
Education
Education
Highly values truth
Expects excellence
Prepares students to win
Church
Church
Biblically-based, Christ-centered
Holy Spirit-empowered
Great Commission-driven
Prayer for the Church
Prayer for the Church
1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
There is a time set aside for prayer
Family
Family
Follow the Bible
Practice forgiveness
Love one another
Eastern Gate
Eastern Gate
This is the gate Jesus Christ will return through. This gate was closed, sealed and closed to prevent entry.
In Ezekiel's vision, he says.
1 Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut. 2 Then said the Lord unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut. 3 It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the Lord; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.
Revelation 12:11... And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
"We declare by the Almighty power of the Blood of Jesus Christ, His enemies within this territory are overcome, they are utterly defeated, their power to rule is broken and their ability to stand against the righteous is nullified.
Hebrews 9:22 ...And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.
"We declare, because of Christ's shed Blood, the sin in the land has been remitted. Therefore, we declare this land loosed from the defilement of sin and the dark forces which drew upon these defilements for their power."
"We declare this land cleansed and sanctified and this gate closed to the powers of darkness."
Colossians 2:15...Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
"We declare through His Blood sacrifice Jesus Christ has made a public spectacle of His enemies, totally disarming them, totally defeating them, and totally triumphing over them through His obedience and death on the Cross."
Philippians 2:9-11...Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, so at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on Earth, and of those under the Earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
"We declare every principality, power, ruler of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places and every name which has been named in Heaven, in the Earth, and under the Earth shall bow their knee to the all-powerful Name of the Lord Jesus Christ."
"We declare the power of darkness' legal right of access to this land and their rule over this Eastern gate is nullified and broken. Therefore, we declare they can no longer blind and bind the minds and hearts of the people within this territory."
Western Gate
Western Gate
No mention is made of a western gate, there was one in Solomon's temple; for there were porters appointed westward by David, and fixed by Solomon, ( 1 Chronicles 9:24 ) ( 1 Chronicles 26:16 1 Chronicles 26:18 )
Leviticus 20:6
6 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.
"We declare God has set His face against those who turn to and interact with wizards and familiar spirits – against those who have sold themselves for demonic power, riches, or influence. We agree all such persons will be cut off from their demonic power source and their eyes and ears will open to His all-powerful voice."
Leviticus 20:27 '…Now a man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.'" (NASB)
"We declare with the Judge of all the universe His decree of a death sentence upon every person who has chosen to be a wizard or who entertains or joins with familiar spirits."
"We pray as these persons taste various dimensions of death they will abandon the evil spirits which have taken them captive."
"We stand against the evil spirits behind their foolish actions and declare their access to this territory is closed down and they have no legitimate right to remain here."
Matthew 3:10 "The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire….” (NASB)
Scriptures and Declarations Applied in Closing the Gates to the Occult Page 4
“We declare the axe has been laid to the root of any occult activities which took place on this land as practiced by the ancient peoples of this Region. We declare the transference of any occult spiritual residue from those past abominations is cut off by the by the all-powerful Blood of Jesus Christ.”
"We declare the all trees of unrighteousness which have sprung forth from this root shall wither with no demonic resources to empower them.”
"We declare all wicked powers influencing the lives of any people who dwell in this territory have been nullified in their ability to continue to captivate their hearts and minds."
Matthew 15:13 But He answered and said, "Every plant which My Heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted….” (NASB)
"We declare any defiling plant is uprooted and forbidden from spiritually influencing the people of this territory or this nation."
"We declare in its place the Word of God shall be the principle guide for every thought, behavior, and character of the people dwelling in this territory and Christ and His Kingdom will be their covering from this time forward.”
Psalm 125:3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous, so the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong. (NASB)
"We declare the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land allotted to God's people in this territory."
Southern Gate
Southern Gate
9 But when the people of the land shall come before the Lord in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.
Psalm 7:9 O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; for the righteous God tries the hearts and minds. (NASB)
"We declare the wickedness of the wicked has come to end and their ability to operate and have dominion within this territory has ceased."
“We declare God will establish His people – the just – in the land – to rule and have dominion over every realm of jurisdiction – spiritual, civil, educational, governmental, social, financial, and the arts."
Psalm 37:17 For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD sustains the righteous. (NASB)
“We declare the arms of the wicked are broken; the strength of their ability to hold fast their place in the land, to maintain their grip upon the people in this territory is broken!”
“We declare the Lord will hold up the righteous – His people – He will cause them to stand in His power, His might, and His authority.”
Psalm 37:20 But the wicked will perish; and the enemies of the LORD will be like the glory of the pastures, they vanish--like smoke they vanish away. (NASB)
"We declare the enemies of the Lord dwelling in this territory shall vanish, just like smoke they shall dissipate into nothingness. Yes, we declare the wicked shall utterly perish!"
Psalm 75:10 And all the horns of the wicked He will cut off, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up. (NASB)
"We declare all the strength of the wicked the Lord has cut off – through the Blood of His Son, He has rendered them powerless and non-effectual."
"We declare God shall fill this power vacuum by strengthening the righteous and exalting their dominion over the Region."
Proverbs 2:22 But the wicked will be cut off from the land and the treacherous will be uprooted from it. (NASB)
“We declare all wicked spirits assigned to this territory are cut off from their legal jurisdiction in the land, and they are uprooted from the land.”
Exodus 22:18 “…"You shall not allow a sorceress (witch) to live….”
"We agree with God and declare any witches, spirits of witchcraft, those who speak or whisper incantations and all other occult practitioners within this territory must flee from this place – no longer shall it be their refuge."
"God has declared your demise and destruction and so let it be done on Earth just as it has been done in Heaven. We declare the enemies of God have been utterly thrust out of this territory."
Micah 5:12 “…"I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you will have fortune-tellers no more….” (NASB)
"We agree with God and declare all sorcerers and soothsayers are bound by the Word of God and their secret plans and purposes and dark activities – rituals, ceremonies, and rites – are cut off. We agree with God there is no place in the land for them."
Northern Gate
Northern Gate
9 But when the people of the land shall come before the Lord in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.
Psalm 68:1-3 Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish before God. But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God; yes, let them rejoice with gladness. (NASB)
"We invite the Presence of the Lord into this territory which has been cleansed and sanctified in His Mighty Name. Lord we ask You to fill this land with Your Glory, power, healing, deliverance and joy."
“We declare Jesus’ Lordship over this land and as wax melts before fire – so shall the wicked perish at His Presence in this territory.”
“We declare God has come to scatter His enemies, and they will flee before Him, and as smoke is driven away so are the wicked scattered.”
"We declare the righteous shall enter into new and greater dimensions of gladness and rejoicing at what God has done."
Isaiah 19:1 The oracle concerning Egypt. Behold, the LORD is riding on a swift cloud and is about to come to Egypt; the idols of Egypt will tremble at His Presence, and the heart of the Egyptians will melt within them. (NASB)
"We declare the Presence of the Lord will be so strong within this territory the idols of unbelief, sexual immorality, violence, deception, and witchcraft will totter and tumble and the hearts of all people within this territory will melt like wax because of the power of His Presence."
Psalm 9:3-5 When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before You. For You have maintained my just cause; You have sat on the Throne judging righteously. You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever. (NASB)
"We declare the demonic enemies of God's people will fall and perish at His Presence – for He has maintained our Kingdom rights and our purposes in Him."
“We declare God’s Throne will be established in this territory, from which justice, righteousness and judgment will go forth.”
"We declare our God has rebuked the nations. He has destroyed the wicked, and has blotted out the names of the demonic powers forever."
Psalm 97:5 The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the Presence of the Lord of the whole Earth. (NASB)
"We declare the Presence of the Lord will be so strong in this territory problems, troubles, worries, afflictions, infirmities, and the like will melt like wax, so obstacles and hindrances which seem like mountains will melt like wax at the Presence of the Lord."
Deuteronomy 18:10-13 “…There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God will drive them out before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God….” (NASB)
"We declare all demonic powers of witchcraft, sorcery, soothsaying, mediums, spiritists, enchanters, wizards, divinations, charmers, consulters of familiar spirits, necromancers, or any other occult practices are not allowed to live or dwell in this territory. We break and nullify their authority and ability to operate, influence, blind, bind or captivate anyone in this territory. We declare God has driven them out from before us."
Isaiah 28:18 “…"Your covenant with death will be canceled, and your pact with Sheol will not stand; when the overwhelming scourge passes through, then you become its trampling place...” (NASB)
“We declare the covenant of death you are trying to establish across this nation is annulled, and your efforts to bring this land and this nation into agreement with hell will not stand! Instead your covenant with death and your agreement with hell is utterly canceled and terminated. As the righteousness of God flows through this land, it will overcome you and you will be trampled down by it,”
Psalm 129:4 The LORD is righteous; He has cut in two the cords of the wicked. (NASB)
“Just as our righteous Lord cuts in pieces the cords of the wicked, we declare all the demonic power ties you are trying to connect from state-to-state or from site-to-site are cut into pieces. You shall not anchor yourself into the land, nor shall you have a place in the land.”
“We speak healing, life and blessings into the land. We declare the land shall only respond to its Creator and His righteous ones!”
Proverbs 14:19 The evil will bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. (NASB)
“We declare this territory is dedicated to the One True Living God, the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and as such it falls within His Kingdom jurisdiction. Because we are the righteous of the Lord, it has been set aside for us to rule and reign in and through. Therefore, the evil and wicked cannot enter our territory and you will bow down at our gates!”
Psalm 103:20-22 Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His Word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion.
“We declare God has dominion within the specific territory staked and we declare His angles are released to carry out the voice of His Word within all places of His dominion!”
“We bless the Lord and declare all His works within this territory will bless His Holy Name!”