What was the significance of gatekeepers in the Bible?

Answer

Gates are frequently mentioned in Scripture, and gatekeepers played a crucial role in maintaining order in ancient societies. They were guards stationed for protection at different types of gates, such as city gates, palace gates, or temple gates. Ancient cities were surrounded by high, thick walls to keep out wild beasts and invading armies (Joshua 7:5; Judges 5:8; Nehemiah 12:30). Within those walls, heavy gates were placed to allow entrance and exit. A gatekeeper needed to be reliable and vigilant for any signs of trouble. Negligence by a gatekeeper could lead to the downfall of an entire civilization, so the concept of gatekeeping implies vigilance and security. In Psalm 141:3, the keeper of the gates is portrayed as the Lord Himself, guarding our mouths and preventing us from speaking unwisely.

David and Samuel appointed 212 gatekeepers for “positions of trust” in guarding the temple of the Lord “All these who were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were recorded by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer ordained in their official duties.”, (1 Chronicles 9:22). These appointed gatekeepers took turns in week-long assignments (verse 25). Verses 26–29 mention the four principal gatekeepers, “who . . . were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God. They would spend the night stationed around the house of God to guard it, and they were in charge of opening it each morning. Some of them were responsible for the articles used in the temple service; they counted them when they were brought in and when they were taken out. Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all other items.”

Articles of the sanctuary, as well as the special flour, wine, olive oil, incense, and spices.” Temple gatekeepers were in charge of who went in and who went out. They ensured order and reverence for God’s house.

Ezra records that 139 gatekeepers made the trip from Babylon to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel «The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all a hundred thirty and nine. », (Ezra 2:42). When Nehemiah had finished rebuilding the wall around the city of Jerusalem, gatekeepers were some of the first positions he appointed «Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, », (Nehemiah 7:1). This is significant because before a city can conduct business, it must be protected from outside invaders. The Lord’s house required gatekeepers for the same reason. Before God’s business could be conducted properly, only the prescribed priests and other designated servants could be allowed through the gates. God had given clear commands about temple business (Exodus 25:8-9;cf: Hebrews 9:1-7). Gatekeepers were part of that holy business, and their positions were considered sacred (1 Chronicles 9:26;Nehemiah 12:47).

We can easily see the parallel for our own lives. Our conscience, the fear of the Lord, and the Holy Spirit are “gatekeepers” for our hearts. “Through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided” «By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: And by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. », (Proverbs 16:6). The Spirit desires our sanctification, granting us the strength to resist sin. When temptation approaches, the Holy Spirit prompts our conscience, informed by Scripture, saying, “That is perilous. Avoid it.” The divine Guardian acts on our behalf to prevent intruders from harming us.

John Bunyan illustrates the necessity of a spiritual “guardian” in his book The Holy War. In this allegory, Bunyan compares humanity to a city: “This renowned town of Mansoul had five entrances, through which to enter, out of which to exit; and these were . . . impregnable, and could never be opened or breached except by the will and permission of those inside. The names of the entrances were: Ear-gate, Eye-gate, Mouth-gate, Nose-gate, and Feel-gate” (chapter 1, p. 62–63). In essence, the five senses are the “entrances” through which the human soul engages with the world through the physical body. These entrances must be protected, and, in Bunyan’s allegory, Mr. Godly-Fear is the ideal individual for the task. Godly-Fear was a reliable man of “courage, conduct, and valor,” and the enemy’s assaults on Mansoul were futile as long as Godly-Fear was the guardian (chapter 15, p. 285).

When we disregard our Guardian, we endanger ourselves and those we cherish. However, when we, in reverent fear, heed the admonitions of the Word and the Holy Spirit, we are secure. Our hearts and lives are shielded from Satan’s intrusive plots (Ephesians 6:11;2 Corinthians 2:11).