The Horse-gate is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the city of Jerusalem. It is one of the gates of the city that played a role in the daily life and military activities of ancient Israel.

Biblical References:

The Horse-gate is mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, which provides a detailed account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah 3:28 states, "Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house." This passage highlights the involvement of the priests in the reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the communal responsibility in restoring the city.

Another reference to the Horse-gate is found in 2 Chronicles 23:15, which describes the execution of Athaliah, the usurping queen of Judah. The verse states, "So they seized her as she reached the entrance of the Horse Gate by the palace grounds, and there they put her to death." This event underscores the gate's proximity to the royal palace and its strategic importance.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Horse-gate likely derived its name from its association with horses, which were essential for military and transportation purposes in ancient times. It is believed that this gate was used for the movement of horses and chariots, possibly serving as an entry point for the king's cavalry or as a location for stabling horses.

In the context of Jerusalem's geography, the Horse-gate was situated on the eastern side of the city, near the Temple Mount. Its location would have made it a critical point for defense and access, especially during times of conflict or ceremonial processions.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Horse-gate can be seen as a symbol of strength and readiness for battle. Horses in the Bible often represent power and military might, as seen in passages like Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." The gate's mention in the context of Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts also reflects the theme of restoration and divine providence, as the people of Israel worked together to restore their city under God's guidance.

The Horse-gate serves as a reminder of the importance of community, leadership, and reliance on God in the face of challenges. Its presence in the biblical narrative underscores the interconnectedness of daily life, worship, and governance in ancient Israel.A gate in the wall of Jerusalem, at the west end of the bridge, leading from Zion to the temple (Nehemiah 3:28; Jeremiah 31:40).

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... And all the valley of dead carcasses, and of ashes, and all the fields to the brook
Kidron, even to the corner of the horse-gate on the east, shall be Holiness ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

Mount Olivet. The Mount of Olives, 2 Samuel 15:30
... compassing Sion on the right hand, and Jerusalem on the left: the Gate of Waters
against you, leading to the Temple; on the left hand, Ophla and the Horse-gate ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 40 mount olivet the.htm

Some Other Memorable Places of the City.
... between the hill of the Upper City and the Lower, went down unto Siloam." The entrance
into this vale, probably, was eastward by the Horse-gate, and the street ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 35 some other memorable.htm

Horsegate

/h/horsegate.htm - 6k

Horse-gate (3 Occurrences)
Horse-gate. Horsegate, Horse-gate. Horse-heels . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(DBY WBS YLT). Horsegate, Horse-gate. Horse-heels . Reference Bible.
/h/horse-gate.htm - 7k

Horse (62 Occurrences)
... RED HORSE. ...GATE, CORNER, FOUNTAIN, HORSE, SUR. See JERUSALEM. HORSEGATE. See JERUSALEM.
WHITE HORSE. See HORSE, WHITE. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/h/horse.htm - 37k

Grounds (7 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 2 Chronicles 23:15 So they made way for her; and she went to the entrance
of the horsegate to the king's house: and they killed her there. (See NIV) ...
/g/grounds.htm - 8k

Terraces (9 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 31:40 The whole valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the
fields to the brook Kidron, to the corner of the horsegate toward the east ...
/t/terraces.htm - 8k

Repairs (24 Occurrences)
... NAS NIV). Nehemiah 3:28 Above the horsegate repaired the priests, every
one over against his own house. (See NAS NIV). Nehemiah 3 ...
/r/repairs.htm - 13k

Entry (36 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS). 2 Chronicles 23:15 So they made way for her; and she went
to the entrance of the horsegate to the king's house: and they slew her there. ...
/e/entry.htm - 18k

Earnest (33 Occurrences)
... FOUNTAIN GATE. See JERUSALEM. GATE, CORNER, FOUNTAIN, HORSE, SUR. See JERUSALEM.
HORSEGATE. See JERUSALEM. OLD GATE. See JERUSALEM. SUN GATE. See EAST GATE. ...
/e/earnest.htm - 20k

Demolished (15 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 31:40 The whole valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the
fields to the brook Kidron, to the corner of the horsegate toward the east ...
/d/demolished.htm - 11k

Carcases (24 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 31:40 And all the valley of the carcases and of the ashes, And all the
fields unto the brook Kidron, Unto the corner of the horse-gate eastward, 'Are ...
/c/carcases.htm - 14k

What was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Xerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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