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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Sun Gate" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the concept of gates and their symbolic significance is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. Gates in biblical times were not only physical structures but also held spiritual and communal importance. They were places of judgment, commerce, and gathering, often representing authority and transition.

Symbolism of the Sun

The sun is a powerful symbol in the Bible, often representing God's glory, righteousness, and the light of His presence. InPsalm 84:11, the psalmist declares, "For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Here, the sun symbolizes God's provision and protection.

Gates in Biblical Context

Gates in ancient Israel were crucial to the city's defense and were often the site of significant events. They were places where leaders sat to administer justice and where prophets delivered messages from God. For example, inProverbs 31:23, it is noted, "Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land."

Possible Interpretations of "Sun Gate"

1.Metaphorical Interpretation: The "Sun Gate" could be seen as a metaphor for the entrance into God's presence or the beginning of a new spiritual journey. Just as the sun rises and brings light to the world, entering through a "Sun Gate" might symbolize moving from darkness into the light of God's truth and righteousness.

2.Prophetic and Eschatological Themes: In prophetic literature, gates often have eschatological significance. The imagery of a "Sun Gate" could be associated with the end times, where the righteous enter into eternal life and the presence of God, as described inRevelation 21:23-25: "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there."

3.Historical and Cultural Context: While the Bible does not mention a specific "Sun Gate," ancient Near Eastern cultures often built gates dedicated to their deities, including sun gods. These gates were sometimes aligned with the sun's movements, symbolizing divine favor or presence. Although Israel was distinct in its monotheistic worship of Yahweh, understanding the cultural context of surrounding nations can provide insight into how biblical authors might have used similar imagery to convey theological truths.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not directly reference a "Sun Gate," the themes of light, gates, and divine presence are interwoven throughout Scripture. These elements collectively underscore the transformative power of God's light and the significance of entering into His presence through faith and obedience.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Sun Gate

SUN GATE

SeeEAST GATE.

Strong's Hebrew

4161. motsa -- a place or act of going forth, issue, export...
... an egress, or (the place) an exit; hence, a source or product; specifically, dawn,
the rising of thesun (the East), exportation, utterance, agate, a fountain...

Library

Greek and Jew
... three sides. TheSun Gate to the south of the city was therefore the most
accessible point of entry for the pilgrims. Following the...

The Valley of Hinnom.
... of Kedron was called also the 'Valley of Hinnom.' Jeremiah, going forth into the
valley of Hinnom, went out by thegate "Hacharsith, theSun-gate," Jeremiah 19...

Outside the EdenGate.
... Ephesian circle of churches give a sort of bill of details of the mental steps down
that slope from the Edengate.... The man's on a foggy sea withoutsun or star...

A Prince's Bride
... "Philadelphus hath instructed me that there will be a Greek at theSun Gate daily,
awaiting us. He will wear a purple turban embroidered with a golden star....

Lord of Mercy, at ThyGate,
... III. Blessed, who with morningsun,. Hopeful at Thy portals wait; Yea, and
when the day is done,. Blessed they who find thegate. IV....

TheGate of Life Stands Wide,
... 6,6,8,6,6,6 Thanato thanaton kathesas. Thegate of life stands wide,. For Christ
hath entered in;... The rising of thesun; For death by Christ was slain,....

Now that theSun is Gleaming Bright
... Tr. John Henry Newman (1836-1838). Now that thesun is gleaming bright,. Implore
we, bending low,.... Our gates, beleaguered by the foe,. Thegate of every sense....

TheSun Stayed
... be the porter of heaven'sgate, and we shall pass from the land of setting suns
and waning moons and change and sorrow, to that land where 'thysun shall no...

Index of First Lines
... 20]Morning awakes, and morn awaking sings 99 [21]Life from the dead the King Immortal
gives 101 [22]Light more glorious than thesun 103 [23]Thegate of life...

The Good Shepherd
... through thegate of death, he would lead them out again by thegate of resurrection...
ours, or than the love of angels and archangels, as the wholesun is greater...