Did you know? What activities took place at city gates in Bible times?

City gates were more than just entry points. With so many people passing through them, they became

busy centers of daily life. The Bible mentions city gates over 50 times, and it describes

the activities that took place there. People gathered at city gates over 50 times, and it describes the activities that took place there.

People gathered at city gates. The Hebrew word for gate refers to more than just the front door

of a city. It conveys the idea of a built-up area at the entrance of a city or a town. In some places, there were broad public squares

inside the gates where large groups of people could meet. Merchants set up markets near city gates.

Some gates in Jerusalem, such as the fish gate and the sheep gate, may have taken their

names from the goods that were sold nearby.

The picture shows a priest explaining the law at the city gates and market, while a group of

Israelites pay close attention. The picture caption reads,

City gates were busy centers of daily life. People cared for both business and personal matters at City Gates.

Abraham and Boaz made official transactions in front of witnesses at City Gates. Some travelers would

spend the night in the public square near the city gates if no one offered them hospitality.

People also went to the city gates to hear the latest news.

Judges held court near city gates.

They decided on cases before onlookers who could hear both the testimony and the outcome.

This public setting encouraged the judges to be just and

fair in their decisions. After the judges made a decision, officials carried out the sentence

right away. At the city gates, judges were expected to promote justice and good conduct.

Faithful men encouraged the people of Israel who were at the city

gates to trust in Jehovah. Prophets and others spoke at the gates because they knew that people gathered

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