A Biblical Study

The Years of Return

Nehemiah 3

WHICH GATE?

F.Y.I. CORNER

1.	GATE (Heb. 8179) - an opening, i.e. door or gate.
2.	GATE (Gr. 4439) - a gate, the leaf or wing of a folding entrance
3.	MIPHKAD (4663) - the name of a gate in Jerusalem; an appointed place; name used only once in the Bible.

“They Sanctified It”

Gates were a pivotal point of action. They were a place for marketing, a place for hearing announcements, and a place determining the political welfare of the city.

NEHEMIAH 3

1. In addition to the rebuilding of the wall, much information is given about the gates that were repaired. List the names of the gates given:

1) Vs. 1 ___________________

2) Vs. 3 ___________________

3) Vs. 6 ___________________

4) Vs. 13 ___________________

5) Vs. 14 ___________________

6) Vs. 15 ___________________

7) Vs. 26 ___________________

8) Vs. 28 ___________________

9) Vs. 29 ___________________

10) Vs. 31 ___________________

2. What was done to the sheep gate? (3:1)

3. What was repeatedly mentioned set up on the other gates? (3: 3, 6, 13, 14, 15)

4. What was the one of the purposes of the gates? (Deut. 3:5)

5. When were gates shut? (Joshua 2:5)

“Many Will Seek to Enter In and Not be Able”

The Bible also describes gates of a spiritual matter.

1. What are the names of other gates mentioned in the Bible?

· Exodus 27:16

· Ezekiel 40: 3, 6ff

· Psalm 107:18

· Psalm 118:18-20

· Matthew 16:18

2. Jesus compared two gates of which all mankind will enter one. Name/describe them:

· Matthew 7:13-14

· Luke 13:24

3. How can anyone enter the Strait Gate? John 14:6

· How/why do our peers encourage us to enter through the Wide Gate?

DISCUSSION:

1) Why do you think God uses these descriptions of spiritual gates?

· Is there a parameter to salvation? Does a spiritual gate connect to election? Psalm 147:13; Isaiah 26:1-2

· Does the modern day church think there is a parameter to salvation?

2) Do you think heaven will have a gate? Rev. 21:21-25; Rev. 22:14

SUGGESTION FOR PRAYER

· Pray for God’s mercy that He may lead us through the Strait Gate.

· Help us recognize the paths that lead to the Wide Gate and the paths that lead to the Strait Gate.

VERSE OF THE WEEK

“Enter ye in at the strait gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

-Matt. 7:13-14

NEXT WEEK… Read Nehemiah 4-5 for the study.