Rebuilding the Wall Part Two
The Remaining 5 Gates
Last week, we began a journey through the book of Nehemiah, exploring the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem—not just as a historical event, but as a spiritual metaphor for our walk with Christ. This week we focus on the remaining 5 gates: While many focus on Nehemiah’s burden, the king’s permission, or the opposition faced during the rebuilding, our focus is on the ten gates of the wall and their spiritual significance in our lives.
Nehemiah had a deep desire to see Jerusalem protected and whole again. The walls were broken, and the gates destroyed—leaving the city vulnerable. Just like those gates, we too need spiritual repair and strengthening in our daily lives.
The Purpose of Walls and Gates
A wall’s role is to keep some things in and keep others out. Gates, however, are purposeful openings that allow what should enter and exit—while still safeguarding what lies within. Spiritually, these gates reflect stages and elements of our walk with Christ.
Review: The First Five Gates
We previously explored the first five gates:
Rebuilding the Wall
The Sheep Gate
This is where sacrificial animals entered, symbolizing salvation through Jesus—the Lamb of God. Our spiritual journey begins with acknowledging Christ’s sacrifice and the power of His blood to save.
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The Fish Gate
Representing witnessing, this is where fishermen brought their catch. Jesus calls us to be fishers of men, sharing the Gospel and drawing others into His kingdom.
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The Old Gate
This gate symbolizes the old paths, a call to return to biblical truth and spiritual discipline. Here, we root ourselves in God’s unchanging Word.
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The Valley Gate
Symbolizing humility and growth, this gate represents life’s valley experiences. It’s in the valleys—amid struggle and trial—that our spiritual roots deepen and our faith matures.
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The Dung Gate
A place for removing waste, this gate represents the need to cleanse our lives—removing sin, pride, and anything that defiles, to live holy before God and man.
The Remaining 5 Gates: Gates 6–10
The Remaining 5 Gates
The Fountain Gate
Found in Nehemiah 3:15, this gate speaks of the Holy Spirit—the living water flowing through the believer. Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” This living water represents the Spirit’s refreshing, empowering presence that brings understanding, transformation, and revival.
The Remaining 5 Gates
The Water Gate
Interestingly, this gate did not require repair, symbolizing the Word of God. Just as the Water Gate remained intact, so too does God’s Word stand unbroken and unblemished. While people may question, reinterpret, or try to alter Scripture, the truth remains: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”
“Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” – Psalm 119:89
Let us honor the Word, not seek to fix what is already perfect.
The Remaining 5 Gates
The Horse Gate
Symbolizing spiritual warfare, this is where Israel’s armies rode out for battle. In our lives, we too must be ready for war—not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual darkness. Whether we’re battling for ourselves, our families, or the lost, we must be ready to march forward as soldiers of Christ.
“Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” – 2 Timothy 2:3
The Remaining 5 Gates
The East Gate
This gate looks forward to the coming of Christ. Prophets declared that the Lord’s feet would stand on the Mount of Olives, visible from the East Gate. Though it is sealed today, believers know that nothing can block His return.
Let your spiritual East Gate remain open and expectant for the return of Jesus.
The Remaining 5 Gates
The Miphkad Gate (Inspection Gate)
Also known as the Judgment Gate, this is where soldiers were inspected and prepared for duty. Spiritually, it represents our accountability before God. One day, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due.” – 2 Corinthians 5:10
This gate challenges us to live ready—examined, prepared, and walking in obedience.
The Remaining 5 Gates: Coming Full Circle
As the gates were rebuilt in sequence, they eventually brought Nehemiah and the people full circle—back to the Sheep Gate. Our journey also begins and ends with Jesus. From salvation to judgment, from spiritual battle to divine return, Christ is the cornerstone of it all.
Each gate is more than a checkpoint—it is a reflection of where we are in our spiritual lives. We must ask:
- Is my Sheep Gate secure in salvation?
- Is my Fish Gate open and active in witnessing?
- Is my Dung Gate removing what doesn’t belong?
- Is my Water Gate rooted in the unchanging Word?
And above all, is my East Gate open, watching and waiting for the King of Glory?
Final Encouragement
Study Nehemiah. Study the gates. Reflect on where you are in your walk with Christ. Let us be diligent to rebuild the spiritual walls around our lives, keeping the enemy out and the presence of God within.
The Word of God is not outdated, broken, or in need of revision—we are. But with Christ as our foundation, and each gate standing strong, we are made ready.
Let us rise up and build.
