The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. Next to them, repairs were made by men from Gibeon and Mizpah—Melatiah of Gibeon and Jadon of Meronoth—places under the authority of the governor of Trans-Euphrates. Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the next section; and Hananiah, one of the perfume-makers, made repairs next to that. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section. Adjoining this, Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house, and Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs next to him. Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens. Shallum son of Hallohesh, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section with the help of his daughters.
(Nehemiah 3:6-12)
The old gate (also known as the Jeshanah gate) exited to the west of Jerusalem. Scholars believe that this gate belonged to the ancient city of Salem that was first built by Melchizedek. In Hebrews 7, the name Melchizedek is defined as “king of righteousness”. Melchizedek was the king of Salem or “king of peace”.
The fish gate was rebuilt by relatives. We read about sons of Hassenaah working together. The sheep gate on the other hand was rebuilt by priests. There is no reference to relation or priesthood for the workers on the old gate.
The sheep gate represented redemption where Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice that bore our sins in His body. This was the foundation of the rebuild work. The fish gate was next in showing opportunity to impart truth and wisdom to those in the outer parts. The gate of our craft and using it to glorify our heavenly Father.
What about the old gate? Going by the account above, it appears this gate had the hallmarks of history, heritage and longevity. It stood out for a significant part of the story of redemption linking it way back to Melchizedek and his positioning in blessing the father of many nations, Abraham through who faith was birthed. We may call this the gateway of foundations of faith.
As early as Deuteronomy, the Israelites are admonished to "Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past." (Deut 32:7). Whenever they left the ancient paths, God’s wrath was upon them. However, when they retraced their paths, God’s favor was upon them. His people recalled the DAYS OF OLD, the days of Moses and his people . . ." (Isa 63:9-11)
This gate represents truth, because God’s truth never changes. Over generations, truth has been made relative. The letters to the seven churches in Revelations had a lot of reference to heresy, half-truths and lies. Pergamum believed in the teachings of Balaam and of Nicolaitans. Thyatira tolerated Jezebel. That hasn’t changed much today. Philosophical and inquisitive minds are at work in finding relativity in scripture to fit desired interpretations.
There is the scripture where God’s promises are based on relative terms like ‘it depends’, ‘may be’, ‘perhaps’, ‘possibly’, ‘somewhat’, ‘kind of’, ‘per adventure’. When the thief asked Jesus to remember him, Jesus replied, ‘today you will be with me in paradise’. Jesus didn’t say, pass by some waiting room and perhaps we may just possibly consider your record given the gravity of your crime. When adulterous woman caught in the act stood before the seat of judgment at Jesus’ feet, the verdict was firm and forthright, ‘go and sin no more’. It didn’t say, ‘go through rehab’or ‘consider reducing the men in your life from 3 per day to 2 then 1 then finally stop’. When Jesus saw Zach trying hard to see Him from the sycamore tree, He said, ‘I will dine with you tonight at your house’. He didn’t say, ‘perhaps next week’, or ‘go a fix irregular tax collections in your books first before I come’. About sexual purity, Jesus says, ‘anyone who looks lustfully at a woman commits adultery with her in his heart’. He didn’t say as long as you are not aroused you can stare at that half nude pin up photo or watch that suggestive movie. Point blank, He knew the power of lustful images over a defenseless mind of a man.
The Old Gate reminds us to live in the confidence of what God has said is true. He has set us free from sin through the gate of redemption, He has given us the opportunities and nations through the fish gate and now He desires that we are grounded in the word through the old gate. So pick that scripture and devour it like never before. Don’t accept half chewed, half-digested scripture by those who have twisted the word by adding digestive juices of biases and prejudices. Be like the Bereans and validate what is being taught. Jesus said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.’ Stick to Him and you will find truth, the way and the life. Allow this old gate to be breached and you will live in falsehoods, false paths and a false life. Stick to the ancient paths of truth that are embedded in His word.
thank you...
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