This is the final part of our four-part series on the 12 gates of Jerusalem, their spiritual significance, and their application to our lives. Today, we are covering the Inspection Gate, the Gate of Ephraim, and the Prison Gate.

Inspection Gate

After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner. Nehemiah 3:31 (KJV)

Let’s look at this in the New International Version for greater clarity.

Next to him, Malkijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the room above the corner; Nehemiah 3:31 (New International Version, NIV) emphasis mine

This gate was located along the northern portion of the Eastern wall. Most identify this gate as being in the temple area rather than in the wall itself.. This gate was also called the Muster Gate. There isn’t much known about this gate, but we can gain some information from the name of it. As we see above in the King James Version of this verse, the name in Hebrew was Miphkad. In Hebrew, this means a mandate, an appointment, a counting, a census, an appointed place. This gate may have been a place for inspecting and counting offerings. Christ as the Lamb of God was inspected by Pilate before He was offered up on the cross. We must examine ourselves regularly so we maintain a right relationship with God.

Gate of Ephraim

This gate is not mentioned specifically in Nehemiah 3, but it is noted in other places in Nehemiah.

So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim. Nehemiah 8:16 (KJV)

The use of this gate is not clear, but the name Ephraim means two-fold increase, doubly fruitful. No matter what we go through, God has promised us double for our trouble if we will remain faithful to him (Job 42:10). As we abide in Jesus, we will prosper and bear much fruit for Him. It is important for us to remain in Jesus, in constant fellowship and relationship with Him.

Prison Gate

This gate is also not mentioned in Nehemiah 3, but we see it noted in Nehemiah 12.

And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate. Nehemiah 12:39 (KJV)

This gate was also called the Gate of the Guard. It was located in the vicinity of the palace. The palace would have had a guard house (Jeremiah 32:2) for the palace guard to be nearby and ready. We need to be prepared and equipped with the things of God to protect all that God has placed in our charge. We are to stand guard over our hearts, our relationship with God, and all that God has given us.

Summary

To wrap up our study of the 12 gates, let’s talk about the number 12. The 12 gates represented the 12 tribes of Israel. In Bible numerology, 12 represents God’s divine government. God rules through His people- 12 tribes, 12 spies, 12, disciples, etc. The 12 gates of Jerusalem controlled who came in and went out of Jerusalem, the city of peace. Likewise, we are gatekeepers of all God has entrusted to us, so we must guard it wisely. We control who and what we allow into our lives. Do not allow anything in that is not of God.

Finally, keep in mind that the heavenly Jerusalem also has 12 gates, which are always open. This speaks of our eternal access to God.