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Definition and Meaning:
Harsith, also referred to as "Harsith" or "Harsith Gate," is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Jeremiah. The name "Harsith" is derived from the Hebrew word "חַרְסִית" (charsith), which means "potsherd" or "earthenware." It is associated with a location or gate in Jerusalem.

Biblical References:
The primary reference to Harsith is found inJeremiah 19:2, where the prophet Jeremiah is instructed by God to go to the Potsherd Gate (Harsith Gate) to deliver a prophetic message. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows:

"Go out to the Valley of Ben Hinnom at the entrance of the Potsherd Gate, and there proclaim the words I tell you."

Historical and Cultural Context:
Harsith, or the Potsherd Gate, is believed to have been a gate in the city of Jerusalem, possibly located near the Valley of Ben Hinnom. This valley, known for its association with idolatrous practices and child sacrifices to the god Molech, was a place of significant prophetic activity. The gate's name, meaning "potsherd," suggests it may have been near a location where potters discarded broken pottery, a common practice in ancient cities.

Jeremiah's prophetic act at the Harsith Gate involved the breaking of a clay jar, symbolizing the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to the people's unfaithfulness and idolatry. This act served as a powerful visual metaphor for the shattering of the nation if they did not repent and return to God.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Harsith in Jeremiah underscores the theme of judgment and repentance that runs throughout the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The use of a potsherd, a broken piece of pottery, as a symbol of destruction highlights the fragility of human endeavors apart from God's guidance and protection. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's covenant and the need for sincere repentance.

Archaeological Insights:
While the exact location of the Harsith Gate remains uncertain, archaeological excavations in Jerusalem have uncovered numerous gates and walls from various periods, providing insight into the city's ancient layout. The discovery of pottery fragments and kilns in the vicinity of ancient Jerusalem supports the idea of a potters' area, lending credence to the biblical description of the Harsith Gate.

Conclusion:
The reference to Harsith in the book of Jeremiah serves as a poignant reminder of the prophetic message of judgment and the call to repentance. It illustrates the use of everyday objects and locations in conveying profound spiritual truths, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant.HARSITH

har'-sith (charcith): One of the gates of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 19:2 the Revised Version (British and American)); margin suggests "gate of the potsherds"; the King James Version has "east gate" and the King James Version margin "sun gate," both deriving the name from cherec, "sun." The gate opened into the valley of Hinnom.

SeeJERUSALEM;POTSHERD.

Footnotes
... 347 In the valley of Hinnom, where were potteries and above them a city-gateHarsith =
(probably) Potsherds; in the upper valley broken pottery is still...

Hinnom (11 Occurrences)
... 1. Bible References and History: It was near the walls of Jerusalem, "by the entry
of the gateHarsith" (Jeremiah 19:2); the Valley Gate opened into it...

Harsith (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaHARSITH. har'-sith... Hinnom. See JERUSALEM; POTSHERD.
Multi-Version ConcordanceHarsith (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah...

Gate (248 Occurrences)
... performed (Acts 3:1-10). See GATE, THE BEAUTIFUL;HARSITH; SHECANIAH. W.
Shaw Caldecott. GATE, THE BEAUTIFUL. bu'-ti-fool (he horaia...

Entry (36 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 19:2 and go forth to the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry
of the gateHarsith, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell you...

Potsherd (6 Occurrences)
... in Job 41:30 substitutes "sharp potsherds" for "sharp stones." Sirach 22:7 refers
to the art of "gluing a potsherd (ostrakon) together." SeeHARSITH; OSTRACA....

Ben-hinnom (7 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 19:2 and go forth to the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry
of the gateHarsith, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell you...

Valley (187 Occurrences)
... 1. Bible References and History: It was near the walls of Jerusalem, "by the entry
of the gateHarsith" (Jeremiah 19:2); the Valley Gate opened into it...

Hart (10 Occurrences)

Ben (40 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 19:2 and go forth to the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry
of the gateHarsith, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell you...

East (228 Occurrences)
... healing of the lame man was performed (Acts 3:1-10). See GATE, THE BEAUTIFUL;
HARSITH; SHECANIAH. W. Shaw Caldecott. STAR IN THE EAST....

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