Topical Encyclopedia
The Dung-gate is one of the gates mentioned in the Bible as part of the ancient city of Jerusalem's walls. It holds historical and spiritual significance, particularly in the context of the rebuilding efforts led by Nehemiah. The gate is referenced in the Book of Nehemiah, which provides insight into its purpose and the broader narrative of Jerusalem's restoration.
Biblical References:The primary mention of the Dung-gate is found in the Book of Nehemiah.
Nehemiah 2:13 states, "So I went out at night through the Valley Gate toward the Well of the Serpent and the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire." This passage highlights Nehemiah's inspection of the city's defenses, emphasizing the need for restoration after the Babylonian exile.
Further,
Nehemiah 3:14 records the repair efforts: "The Dung Gate was repaired by Malkijah son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Beth-haccherem. He rebuilt it and installed its doors, bolts, and bars." This verse underscores the collaborative effort among the Israelites to restore the city's infrastructure, with specific individuals and families taking responsibility for different sections.
Historical and Cultural Context:The Dung-gate, as its name suggests, was likely used for the removal of waste and refuse from the city. Its location in the southern part of Jerusalem, near the Valley of Hinnom, would have been practical for such purposes. The Valley of Hinnom, known in Hebrew as Gehenna, later became associated with imagery of judgment and purification, adding a layer of symbolic meaning to the gate's function.
In ancient cities, gates were not only points of entry and exit but also places of commerce, legal transactions, and social interaction. The Dung-gate, however, served a more utilitarian purpose, reflecting the practical needs of urban life in Jerusalem.
Spiritual Significance:From a spiritual perspective, the Dung-gate can be seen as a symbol of purification and cleansing. Just as waste was removed from the city to maintain its cleanliness, the process of spiritual renewal involves the removal of sin and impurity from one's life. The rebuilding of the Dung-gate, therefore, can be interpreted as part of the broader theme of restoration and renewal that permeates the Book of Nehemiah.
Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, including the Dung-gate, is often viewed as a testament to faithfulness, perseverance, and the importance of community in achieving God's purposes. The collective effort to restore the city serves as an example of how believers are called to work together in the pursuit of spiritual and communal goals.
Conclusion:The Dung-gate, while seemingly mundane in its function, plays a significant role in the narrative of Jerusalem's restoration. It serves as a reminder of the practical aspects of maintaining a holy city and the spiritual lessons of cleansing and renewal. Through the diligent efforts of Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem, the Dung-gate was restored, symbolizing the broader restoration of the community and their covenant relationship with God.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(
Nehemiah 2:13), a gate of ancient Jerusalem, on the south-west quarter. "The gate outside of which lay the piles of sweepings and offscourings of the streets," in the valley of Tophet.
Library
The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... the foot of mount Acra. And, 2. A thousand cubits thence, "The Esquiline,
orDung-gate," verse 14. And, 3. "The Fountain-gate," verse...
Overcoming Great Difficulties
... The first marched to the right upon the wall toward theDung Gate; and behind
them went Hoshaiah and half of the officials of Judah....
Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... I went out by night through the Valley Gate, toward the Dragon's Well and to the
Dung Gate; and I examined carefully the walls of Jerusalem which were broken...
Thesaurus
DunggateDung-gate (4 Occurrences)
Dung-gate.Dunggate,Dung-gate. Dunghill . Easton's Bible Dictionary... (DBY
WBS YLT).Dunggate,Dung-gate. Dunghill . Reference Bible.
Dung (27 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DUNG;DUNGGATE.... One went on the right hand on
the wall toward thedunggate; (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV)....
Valley-gate (3 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 2:13 And I went out by night by the valley-gate, even toward the
jackal-fountain, and to thedung-gate; and I viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which...
Jackal's (1 Occurrence)
... fountain of the figs"; the King James Version dragon well): A well or spring in
the valley of Hinnom between the "Gate of the Gai" and theDungGate (Nehemiah 2...
Malchijah (15 Occurrences)
... furnaces" (Nehemiah 3:11). (7) Son of Rechab ruler of Beth-haccerem, repairer
of thedunggate (Nehemiah 3:14). (8) A goldsmith...
Bolts (14 Occurrences)
... Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up its doors, its bolts,
and its bars, and one thousand cubits of the wall to thedunggate....
Refuse (103 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 2:13 I went out by night by the valley gate, even toward the jackal's well,
and to thedunggate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken...
Locks (29 Occurrences)
... of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the
bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto thedunggate....
Repaired (46 Occurrences)
... Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up its doors, its bolts,
and its bars, and one thousand cubits of the wall to thedunggate....
Resources
What was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of a city gate in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
