At the gates of cities courts of justice were frequently held, and hence "judges of the gate" are spoken of (Deuteronomy 16:18; 17:8; 21:19; 25:6,7 , etc.). At the gates prophets also frequently delivered their messages (Proverbs 1:21; 8:3; Isaiah 29:21; Jeremiah 17:19,20; 26:10 ). Criminals were punished without the gates (1 Kings 21:13; Acts 7:59 ). By the "gates of righteousness" we are probably to understand those of the temple (Psalm 118:19 ). "The gates of hell" (RSV, "gates of Hades") Matthew 16:18 , are generally interpreted as meaning the power of Satan, but probably they may mean the power of death, denoting that the Church of Christ shall never die.
Copyright StatementThese dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.
Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. Entry for 'Gate'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/g/gate.html. 1897.
Easton's Bible Dictionary was written by Matthew George Easton, who lived from 1823-1894. This Scottish Presbyterian's other significant literary achievements were his English translations of two of Franz Delitzsch's commentaries. The nearly 4,000 entries cover material from Aaron to Zuzims!Wikipedia
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