The 12 Gates and Their Spiritual Application- Part 3
We continue our study of the 12 gates of Jerusalem, the spiritual significance of each and how it applies to our lives. This is the third in our four-part series on this topic, and today we are looking at the Water Gate, the Horse Gate, and the Eastern Gate.
Water Gate
Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out. Nehemiah 3:26 (KJV)
The water gate led to the main source of water for Jerusalem, The Gihon Spring. This gate is representative of the Holy Spirit. He is the main source of life, filling us with Himself and leading us to drink of the living water of the Word (John 7:37-38). Water is a picture of God’s Word and Spirit. As we drink deep of both, we are restored and our lives are rebuilt better than before.
First, we must repair the gate through which the Holy Spirit entered our lives. There have been many outpourings of God’s Spirit through the years. As we repair and maintain the gate, we shall experience the Holy Spirit in a fresh, new way. As we pray, confess, and repent, we can be filled again with rivers of living waters that will flow out and bring life.
We are going to see a great revival of people who are hungry and thirsty for God, His Word, Spirit, presence and redemption. As we honor Jesus’ sacrifice, the Holy Spirit will flow in us and in our midst.
Horse Gate
From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house. Nehemiah 2:28 (KJV)
Many horses came through this gate and thus it was called the Horse Gate, the kings of Israel, including King David, had many horses and they used this gate. We should note that according to II Chronicles 23:15, the evil queen Athaliah was killed at the Horse Gate. God has called us to ride in the victory of Christ over all opposition. Christ leads us in His triumph over every enemy (II Corinthians 2:14). God wants us to ride in victory, trampling every foe and keeping the enemy under our feet.
As we’ve mentioned previously, gates represent access. God always gives us an entrance point, which is Jesus, to obtain victory. A horse is a symbol of power and strength (Proverbs 21:31). God gives us the means to ride on and use what He has provided rather than laboring in the flesh. There’s a holy ease, where we ride on the top and we are not on the bottom.
Eastern Gate
After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate. Nehemiah 3:29 (KJV)
This gate was located to the East of the temple and connected to it. The temple housed the presence of God and was the focal point of Israeli worship. We are to stay connected to the place where God assigns us, whether big or small. We are to stay connected to God and His house. Some say that this gate is also called the Golden Gate, True treasures and wealth are found in the presence of the Lord, and where our heart is, there will our treasure be. We are to support the house of God with our finances.
