Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Higher Gate

◄ Temple: Solomon's: Higher Gate ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Higher Gate, also referred to in some translations as the Upper Gate, is a significant architectural and symbolic feature associated with Solomon's Temple, the first temple constructed in Jerusalem. This gate is mentioned in the context of the temple's structure and its subsequent renovations and restorations by later kings of Judah.

Biblical References:

The Higher Gate is specifically mentioned in the context of King Jotham's reign in 2 Kings 15:35: "Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places. Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD." . This passage highlights the gate's importance as part of the temple complex and its association with royal initiatives to maintain and enhance the temple's infrastructure.

Historical and Architectural Significance:

Solomon's Temple, also known as the First Temple, was constructed in the 10th century BC and served as the central place of worship for the Israelites. The temple was renowned for its grandeur and intricate design, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. The Higher Gate, as part of this complex, would have been a significant point of entry, possibly leading to the inner courts of the temple.

The mention of the Higher Gate in the context of Jotham's reign suggests that it was an important feature that required maintenance and possibly fortification. This indicates the ongoing use and significance of the temple as a religious and cultural center for the people of Judah.

Theological Implications:

The Higher Gate, like other elements of the temple, holds theological significance. It symbolizes access to the divine presence, as the temple was considered the dwelling place of God among His people. The maintenance and rebuilding efforts by kings such as Jotham reflect a commitment to preserving the sanctity and functionality of the temple as a place of worship and sacrifice.

The gate's mention in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of the temple in the religious life of Israel and Judah. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, with the temple acting as a focal point for worship, prayer, and the observance of religious rites.

Cultural and Religious Context:

In the broader cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, gates were not merely functional structures but also held symbolic meaning. They were places of gathering, judgment, and decision-making. The Higher Gate, therefore, would have been a place of significance not only for its role in temple access but also as a site of communal and religious activity.

The ongoing reference to the Higher Gate in the biblical text highlights the enduring legacy of Solomon's Temple and its components. It serves as a testament to the historical and spiritual heritage of the Israelites, reflecting their devotion to God and the centrality of the temple in their national identity.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 15:35
However, the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... For the temple, you see, was widest upwards; the higher, the more it is ... We come next
to the porch of the temple that is commonly called Solomon's.1. This ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Solomon's Repentance
... obedient; and after the dedication of the temple, when once ... kindness of the One who
is "higher than the ... Those who heed the warning of Solomon's apostasy will ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 5 solomons repentance.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... Here also it would be the higher meaning, rather ... Passing along the eastern colonnade,
or Solomon's Porch, we ... Here the standard measures of the Temple are said ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... Israel was lower than the one and higher than the ... timber and stones to build the
temple for three ... the building itself did not begin till Solomon's fourth year ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

The Description of Jerusalem.
... which contains the upper city is much higher, and in ... also bends again towards the
east at Solomon's pool, and ... was joined to the eastern cloister of the temple. ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... have read many times the story of Solomon's temple, and you ... prepared you and will
build you into his temple. ... wearying; they raise their shout higher, and higher ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

Psalm CXXVII.
... true Solomon, Scripture showing unto thee another Solomon, thus commences ... the house
of God is the temple of God ... As a higher place is assigned to the vinedresser ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxvii.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... in that part of the {16} Temple called Solomon's porch[33 ... brethren to the Holy City
and the Temple, he could ... they had special consecration to the higher office. ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... Nor could Josephus well estimate it higher, since he ... 8, sitting as before, in the
gate of the ... silver expended in the building of Solomon's temple, and whence ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Jacob Boehme's Influence in England
... blew, and otherwise as the Windows in Solomon's Temple: He had a ... and all this, or
a far higher and profounder ... take pains to push in beyond Solomon's Porch, or ...
/.../chapter xii jacob boehmes influence.htm