| “Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east” (Nehemiah 3:26). |
| “From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house” (Nehemiah 3:28). |
| “After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate” (Nehemiah 3:29). |
| “After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith’s son … over against the gate Miphkad” (Nehemiah 3:31). |
| The water gate would also speak to us of refreshment, for water in the Bible is often a picture of the Word of God. The fountain speaks of refreshment, while water speaks of a constant steady source of peace and blessing. We all need water for our natural bodies, and we need the regular “washing of water by the Word” (Ephesians 5:26). That is, we need the Word of God every day to wash away the things that we contact every day in this world. |
| The horse gate is perhaps a picture of strength, for the horse in the Bible often speaks of strength. But it must not be our own strength; it must be the Lord’s strength. The Lord says in the Bible, “An horse is a vain thing for safety” (Psalm 33:17), yet if we rely on the Lord, He is able to protect us. |
| The east gate was special, for it was the gate through which only Lord could enter, or the Prince who represented Him. We read in Ezekiel, “The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east … the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate” (Ezekiel 46:1-2). This will happen in the millennium when the Lord Jesus reigns as the rightful King. The east is where the sun rises, and the Lord will enter in at that time like the rising Sun, to bring blessing to Israel. |
| Finally we have the gate Miphkad, which is difficult. It means “the gate of the appointed place.” We might take different meanings from this, but perhaps it means that while we are down here in this world, the Lord has an appointed place for us to come together and worship Him. We are not free to go just anywhere we like. If we really wish to be where the Lord is, He will lead us there. |
