The East Gate of Jerusalem
Today we will go more in-depth about the east gate of Jerusalem. In an earlier study we reviewed a few chapters in the book of Zechariah and this prompted me to focus a little more on this particular gate. This is a fascinating gate because it has been sealed and opened and then resealed several times throughout history.
In Hebrew it is called Sha’ar Harachamimi—“Gate of Mercy”. This gate is found in Israel and there are three faiths within Jerusalem that view this gate in a certain manner. The muslims have named it the “Golden Gate”. It is significant to them as well because they believe this is the location for Allah’s final judgment and the site of the future resurrection. The sultan Saladin back in 1187 defeated the crusaders and gained control of the city. The Ottoman Sultan Suleiman sealed the golden gate shut in 1541. They were familiar with the Jewish literature and believed in order to prevent the Messiah’s return to the city they sealed the gate.
* Triumphal Entry *
The Bible tells us that the Lord will enter Jerusalem once more through the east gate. This particular gate may not be the exact one Jesus entered Jerusalem in 30 AD because Jerusalem was totally destroyed at one point in time. But the prophet Nehemiah was ordered to gather men to reconstruct the walls of Jerusalem. Zechariah mentioned a gate called “the first gate” and this could possibly be the actual one Jesus entered.
All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin’s gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king’s winepresses. Zechariah 14:10 KJV
The east gate has historical significance in Christianity because Jesus entered Jerusalem through the east gate on the colt. We know this day as “Palm Sunday” because everyone that was present on that day laid palm branches on his path way. There were people that went before and those that went after him that cried out the words below.
And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that comes in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. Matthew 21:9 KJV
The bible refers to this occasion as the “triumphal entry”. Jesus arrived in Jerusalem to celebrate the passover feast along with all the other Jews that came to do the same. The passover feast was held 2 days before his crucifixion. This was the last time he entered the city before he was crucified.
In just a few days we will be celebrating Resurrection Sunday which many also know as easter or Pascha (Greek, Latin and Aramaic). This will be a day to remember his sacrifice for us and to celebrate his resurrection. He was the sacrificial lamb and through his blood he washed our sin away.
On the day of the Lord he will descend first to the mount of Olives located to the east of the city Jerusalem and all his saints will accompany him.
And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city. Ezekiel 11:23 KJV
I don’t know about you but I get excited and look forward to that day when we can finally see him. The prophet Ezekiel also prophesied the day of the Lord’s return.
Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: Ezekiel 43:1 KJV
The prophet Ezekiel described his vision and it begins with the gate that we are focused on in this post. The gate that faces the east out of the city of Jerusalem.
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. Ezekiel 43:2 KJV
Upon reading this passage it seems so familiar to the one the apostle John gave in the first chapter of Revelation when he described the voice of the Lord. He also said it was like the sound of many waters.
And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face. Ezekiel 43:3 KJV
When the apostle John saw the glory of the Lord you will remember he also fell upon his face just like we see here with Ezekiel.
And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. Ezekiel 43:4 KJV
So as we see in these scriptures the eastern gate is so important when we are looking forward to his return. It does not matter if the gate was sealed because the Lord will have another triumphal entry to the city through that same gate – the gate of mercy. He will enter his temple and fill it with his glory. Hallelujah!
We hope you enjoy celebrating Resurrection Day with your family and keep in mind this gate as you imagine the King in his reentry into Jerusalem! God bless you and be blessed until the next one.
