English Devotion - Water Gate

The Water Gate (v. 26) was part of the palace-Temple complex rather than in the wall. It was so named because it led to the city’s main source of water, the Gihon Spring. It apparently encompassed a large area, for the reading of the law took place there (8:1, 3, 16).

The Water Gate can be related to the Word of God. Jesus compared Himself to water, a type of God’s Word, when He spoke to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (Jn. 4:5–14). We are challenged to be diligent students of the Scripture in order to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). God’s Word will thoroughly develop spiritual maturity in the lives of those who read it (2 Tim. 3:16–17).

Prophetic aspect:  Horses speak of speed and war. From the 1900's onwards both of these certainly apply! The speed of medical, technological, industrial and scientific advancements was beyond comparison. And yet with it came two world wars, countless wars between nations and constant ethnic unrest. For the church it has been one battle after another with the rise of the cults, Biblical criticism. Modernism and liberalism leading to an increasing apostasy within the church. The ultimate fulfilment prophetically of the horse gate will be in the Tribulation - the Day of the Lord as described in Revelation 6-19.

 

 

Water Gate

 Nehemiah 3:26

The Water Gate is located next to the Fountain Gate near Horse Gate.

It is where the water was brought into the city from the various pools and wells.

In Nehemiah 8:1-3, Ezra the scribe gathered all the people into the square in front of the Water Gate, to listen to the reading of the Law of God.

The Water Gate can be related to the Word of God. Jesus compared Himself to water, a type of God’s Word, when He spoke to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (Jn. 4:5–14). 

Eph. 5: 25, 26 tells that Christ cleansed the Church by the washing with water through the Word.

In the Psalms 119:9 it says cleansing is by the Word.

In our physical world, water is essential for life, for refreshment and for cleansing, and in our society today, is used for leisure and pleasure.

For, all people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word that was preached to you. 1 peter 1:24,25

Some have tried to repair the Word of God. Some have tried to break it down. But God said, “My word shall never fail.

The Word was the subject of attack from Satan right from the beginning, yet it stands and abides forever. “My word shall not pass away.” – Your word, O Lord, is eternal, it stands firm in the heavens.

It is up to us to fortify ourselves in God’s ‘watchtower’ against attacks, by reading the Word of God, studying the Word of God, lis­tening to highly qualified, faithful Christians preaching, or reading their commentaries.

Fortify our children too, when they reach the age of comprehension, and before the world attacks them.

We must not neglect to use this gate. Our lives will be in grave danger, for water is essential to life.

Without the regular reading of God’s word, our spiritual life will be in grave danger, drink deep of the Word of God.

A casual approach to Bible reading will never cut but serious Bible study on a specific subject of concern, with prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit to implement the counsel of Christ’s word in a life situation, is what will produce results.

Not just listening at the family table, but regular personal study, alone with God, then our life with God will flourish.

 

Jesus used the washing of the disciples’ feet with water, to remind his disciple Peter of the daily need of cleansing as we walk through this life.

After the initial cleansing, when we accept the washing of sins and the forgiveness of God, it is the cleansing of day by day sins and failures, that is a necessity for all as this life continues.

Day by day reading of the Word of God, and hearing the Word preached, cleanses our soul.

All of us have time when we need water, just to refresh ourselves as Jesus Himself, as a man, once sat by a well and asked a woman for refreshing water.

In times when we grow weary with well-doing, Lord, refresh my soul by your Word.

In times of weariness through sickness, Lord, refresh my soul by your Word.

In times of feeling the weakness of age, Lord, refresh my soul by your word.

At times of doubt, difficulty or despair, Lord, refresh my soul by your Word.

And in times of weariness through busyness, Lord, refresh my soul by your Word.

 

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, help us to seek your word daily in our life. Let the word sink into our hearts and cleanse us from all impurities. Refresh our soul by your word Lord. We ask this in Jesus name.