[B-Greek] Matthew 16:18 - two questions
Iver Larsen
iver_larsen at sil.org
Mon Jul 21 15:36:40 EDT 2008
It was the custom in OT cities for the leaders of the city to assemble at the gate. It was both a
public square and a place where plans and important decisions were made. It therefore corresponds
somewhat to a modern town hall or even the "White House" or "Downing Street 10". This is why it is
used as a metonym for planning meetings and decision making, and also more generally "power".
>From TWOT (Theological Workbook of the OT):
"The city gate was extremely important in the life of the people, for social, administrative, and
business intercourse took place there. The Ugaritic literature gives an interesting parallel here,
"He (Daniel) sits in front of the gate, by the dignitaries who are on the threshing floor" (2 Aqht
5.6-7). I Kgs 22:10 says, "The king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting, each on
his throne-at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria." Here kings as well as
city elders sat to administer justice (Deut 21:19; Josh 20:4). When Absalom laid the groundwork for
his insurrection, it was at the gate where he intercepted the people who were coming to see the king
(II Sam 15:2). It was considered an honor to sit among the elders at the gate (Prov 31:23).
The square (often a threshing floor) in front of the gate was the most natural congregating place,
and it was here that the prophets frequently spoke to the people (II Kgs 7:1; Jer 17:19-20, 36:10)
and to kings (I Kgs 22:10). It was here that Ezra read and explained the Law to the Jews in Neh 8:1,
3. Legal transactions also took place here (Ruth 4:1; Gen 23:10, 18), and it served as a marketplace
as well (II Kgs 7:1).
The process of the administration of justice was frequently referred to as "at the gate." Thus Prov
22:22 "(do not) crush the afflicted at the gate" (NASB). Amos 5:15 calls for "justice in the gate."
End of quote.
I think this is what a Jewish person what probably think about when he heard that the "gates of
sheol" would not KATISCUW "conquer, overcome" the church. Satan schemes against it, but will not be
able to defeat it. He may win some battles, but not the war.
To enter through the "gates of Hades" is a different idea that simply means to die.
Iver Larsen
----- Original Message -----
From: "Vasile Stancu" <stancu at mail.dnttm.ro>
To: "'b-greek'" <b-greek at lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: 21. juli 2008 02:02
Subject: Re: [B-Greek] Matthew 16:18 - two questions
> Just for the sake of setting another track of research, I know that in later
> times the Ottoman Empire was called "The High Gate" (at least it was thus
> known in the Romanian countries and it was always regarded as a hostile
> neighbour). I also know that the main imperial palace in Istanbul is called
> Topkapi, which literally means Cannongate. It seems strange to call a
> magnificent palace or a powerful empire by invoking the image or the notion
> of a mere gate. It seems to me that in the Ottoman times al least, a gate
> was a symbol of figting power or domination. I wonder if such perception
> could also have been true in NT times?
>
> Vasile STANCU
>
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