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Sheep-Gate

Locations
Modern Location Jerusalem, Israel
Coordinates 31.7784, 35.2375

Geographical Setting

The Sheep Gate was a specific entrance in the northern wall of the First Temple period city of Jerusalem, later incorporated into the post-exilic fortifications.

What is the meaning of Sheep-Gate in the Bible?

The Sheep Gate functioned as a primary entry point in the northern section of Jerusalem's defensive walls during the post-exilic era, serving as the designated route for bringing sacrificial livestock into the city for temple rituals.

SIGNIFICANCE

Identifying the Sheep Gate clarifies the logistical organization of Jerusalem's reconstruction, illustrating how the city's infrastructure was specifically designed to facilitate the religious requirement of transporting animals for worship.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Sheep-Gate (located near modern Jerusalem, Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Sheep-Gate in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Sheep-Gate clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Sheep-Gate." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sheepgate/
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