Nehemiah 3:26 KJV
Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.
After the fountain gate, which is a representation of the Holy Spirit in our life, we come to the water gate. This gate led down to the Gihon spring which was located adjacent to the Kidron valley. In scripture, the water is always a picture of the word of God. One of the things we are constantly told is that water is life. We can go so many days without food and survive but we need water to stay alive. Is it not amazing that Jesus who is the word made flesh said that he is the way, the truth and the life?
The word of God is the source of truth and it is the only source that we should be drinking from.
Ephesians 5:25-26 KJV
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.
The word of God cleanses us and transforms us by renewing our minds. Through the word, we find encouragement and strength plus direction to live a victorious life. God told Joshua that if he read the word, spoke it, meditated on it and was careful to do all that it says, then he would make his way prosperous and very successful. The same applies to us today.
As we read and apply the word of God in our life then we are cleansed and transformed to become more like Christ.
Notice that the Fountain Gate and the water Gate are next to each other. This is important because we need the Holy Spirit to reveal and illuminate the truths hidden in the word of God otherwise it will be just another book we read.
Psalms 119: 9-11 NKJV
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against you.
It is the Fountain and Water gates that keep us walking along the old path that is signified by the old gate. To walk in purity and in a manner that is pleasing to God we must prioritize the word. Remember we have just been through the valley gate and the dung gate where through trials, we have put off the filth that was in our life. It is through the word that we grow mature and are able to access all that God has for us. The Water gate reminds us the importance of the word of God. In fact the bible says in
II Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
As we read and apply the word in our daily life, we are the equipped to do what God desires for us to do. Interestingly, the word of God is also the sword of the spirit, the offensive weapon that we have been given and this will lead us to the next gate we will talk about, the horse gate.
Reflective Thoughts;
The word of God cleanses us, how important is that to you as an individual?
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From what source are you getting your consistent nourishment to quench your thirst?
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The fountain gate is right next to the water gate. Do you allow the Holy Spirit to guide and bring illumination of the word when you read the bible?
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