Overview
The Sheep Gate was one of the gates in Jerusalem's city wall, located on the northern side near the temple. It received its name from its proximity to the sheep market where sacrificial animals were bought and sold. The gate is mentioned during Nehemiah's rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile, and later appears in John's Gospel as the location of a significant healing miracle.
Key Scriptures
"Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate" (Nehemiah 3:1, ESV).
"Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Aramaic, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered" (John 5:2-3, NASB).
"The horse gate and the Sheep Gate; and the guards stood, one at each gate" (Nehemiah 12:39, NIV).
Application
The Sheep Gate reminds us that Jesus, as the Lamb of God, fulfilled the sacrificial system and brings healing and restoration to all who believe in Him.