Topical Encyclopedia
The Valley-gate is a significant location mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah. This gate is one of the several gates of Jerusalem that played a crucial role in the city's defense and daily life.
Biblical References:The primary reference to the Valley-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 Serpents and the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and the gates that had been destroyed by fire." This passage highlights Nehemiah's inspection of the city's walls, emphasizing the Valley-gate as a starting point for his survey.
Further mention is made in
Nehemiah 3:13 , which records the efforts to rebuild the gate: "Hanun and the residents of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and installed its doors, bolts, and bars, as well as repairing a thousand cubits of the wall to the Dung Gate." This verse underscores the collaborative effort of the people in restoring the gate and the adjacent sections of the wall, reflecting the communal spirit and dedication to the restoration of Jerusalem.
Historical and Geographical Context:The Valley-gate is believed to have been located on the western side of Jerusalem, opening towards the Valley of Hinnom. This valley, known for its historical and prophetic significance, served as a boundary and a natural defense for the city. The gate's strategic position allowed for access to the surrounding valleys and facilitated movement and trade.
In the context of Nehemiah's time, the Valley-gate was part of the extensive reconstruction project aimed at restoring Jerusalem's fortifications after the Babylonian exile. The rebuilding of the gate was not only a physical restoration but also a symbolic act of renewal and faithfulness to God's promises.
Theological Significance:From a theological perspective, the Valley-gate represents themes of restoration, vigilance, and community effort. The rebuilding of the gate and the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership is often seen as a testament to God's faithfulness and the people's commitment to His covenant. It serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual and communal renewal, as well as the need for vigilance in protecting what is sacred.
The Valley-gate, like other gates of Jerusalem, also holds eschatological significance. In prophetic literature, the restoration of Jerusalem is often associated with the coming of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. Thus, the Valley-gate stands as a symbol of hope and divine intervention in the history of God's people.
Conclusion:The Valley-gate, while a specific and localized feature of ancient Jerusalem, carries with it a wealth of historical, cultural, and spiritual meaning. Its mention in the book of Nehemiah highlights the themes of restoration and faithfulness that are central to the biblical narrative. Through the efforts to rebuild this gate, the people of Jerusalem demonstrated their dedication to God and their hope for a renewed future.
Library
Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... I went out by night through theValley Gate, toward the Dragon's Well and to the
Dung Gate; and I examined carefully the walls of Jerusalem which were broken...
A Young Man who Said, "Send Me"
... And Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at theValley
Gate and at the corner of the wall, and fortified them....
Thesaurus
Valley-gate (3 Occurrences)Valley-
gate. Valley,
Valley-
gate. Valleys . Multi-Version Concordance
Valley-
gate (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 2:13 And
...Viewed (9 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 2:13 I went out by night by thevalleygate, even toward the jackal's well,
and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken...
Zanoah (5 Occurrences)
... Here it is named between Jarmuth and Adullam. The inhabitants assisted in rebuilding
the walls of Jerusalem, repairing thevalleygate (Nehemiah 3:13)....
Inspected (18 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 2:13 I went out by night by thevalleygate, even toward the jackal's well,
and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken...
Examining (7 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 2:13 I went out by night by thevalleygate, even toward the jackal's well,
and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken...
Dung-gate (4 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 2:13 And I went out by night by thevalley-gate, even toward the
jackal-fountain, and to the dung-gate; and I viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which...
Hanun (10 Occurrences)
... (3) One of the inhabitants of Zanoah who repaired theValleyGate in the wall of
Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:13). Byron H. Dement. Multi-Version Concordance...
Dung (27 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 2:13 I went out by night by thevalleygate, even toward the jackal's well,
and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken...
Uzziah (27 Occurrences)
... The walls of Jerusalem were strengthened by towers built at the corner gate, at
thevalleygate, and at an angle in the wall (see plan of Jerusalem in the...
Refuse (103 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 2:13 I went out by night by thevalleygate, even toward the jackal's well,
and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken...
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 meaning of Jezreel? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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