The Horse Gate was located between the Water Gate and the Sheep Gate (Stephen’s Gate). Solomon constructed this gate which was originally attached to the king’s palace (2 Kings 11:16). It was where the royal horses were kept. The gate of the guard was located near by and the dwellings for the Priests. This gate is where the king’s chariot would pass in coming to the palace.

This gate is a symbol of the warfare necessary to restoring holiness. Horses in scripture are used as a symbol of battle, “The horse is prepared against the day of battle; but safety is in the Lord.” (Ps 21:31)

APPLICATION of this gate

The Horse Gate located between the Water Gate (Words of the Lord) and the Sheep Gate (Declaration of truth). When Nehemiah came to restore this gate, the Priest were assigned this task. (Neh 3:28). This is significant. The spiritual leaders were needed to restore this gate. The type of warfare this gate represents is restoration of true worship and holiness resulting from:
      1)      Declaring our covenant reliance on God’s faithfulness. 2 Chron 2:21-24
      2)      Declaring His truths and holiness. 2 Chron 23:9-11

The story of restoring David’s throne and true worship in 2 Chron 23 illustrates the warfare necessary to restore true worship and holiness based on reliance upon God’s truth and declarations of His faithfulness. In the story of the boy king Joash being enthroned, and the wicked queen Athaliah destroyed, is an important reference to worship. The priest gave to the captains of the people the spears and large and small shields which had been King David’s, that were in the temple of God. (verse 9). They used these to shield the king during his crowning. They crowned him and put the law of God in his hand symbolizing holiness and righteousness (verse 9-11). Offerings were then made to the Lord with rejoicing and singing, “as it was established by David.” (verse 18). 

The result of establishing worship based on holiness and righteousness was great rejoicing and freedom in the land. (verse 21)  The use of David’s shields made of gold were at one time replaced by brass shields, and they were put in the temple. When true worship and righteousness were restored, the gold shields were restored! It’s time to put aside the artificial shields of tradition and man made programs to restore Davidic Worship which reflects the declarations of truth and righteousness which lead to holiness. This kind of worship will always lead to rejoicing, praise, and greater freedom just like it was established by David!

FUTURE FULFILLMENT of the Horse Gate

The prophet Jeremiah looked forward to a time when God would restore Israel’ purpose and inheritance in Jer 31:38-40.

“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that the city shall be built for the Lord from the Tower of Hananeel (2606=Mercy) to the corner (horse) gate. The surveyor’s line shall again extend straight forward over the hill Gareb (1619=barren places); then it shall turn toward Goath (1601=cow pastures). And the whole valley of the dead bodies (those sacrificed to idols).. All the fields as far as the Brook Kidron, to the corner of the Horse Gate shall be holy to the Lord. It shall not be plucked up or thrown down anymore forever.”  When this time of restoration and holiness is restored this declaration will go forth, “They shall again use this speech in the land of Judah and in its Cities, when I bring back their captivity, ‘The Lord bless you, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness!(Jer 31:23,24).

God has brought his people back to Jerusalem from captivity by establishing the State of Israel. We still need to see God’s special visitation to Jerusalem with his measuring line. We long to see him restore holiness to the holy land! The Lord also longs to visit all the cities of the earth and each home to restore holiness in the lives of those who worship Him. God wants us to put away the man made shields of self gratification and idolatry and enthrone His Son with sacrifices of praise and worship in our homes, churches, and communities. For this to happen, we may have to evict those things like the wicked queen that have taken God’s place in our lives. We may have to take up the book of truth (Commandments of God) and take a stand for God and declare His Truths. Like the guards of old, who guarded the kings horse gate, knowing that the king’s chariot would soon pass their way, we too look for a special visitation and arrival of our King! He is coming! Will He find us waiting with the golden shields to greet Him? The greatest warfare may be the battle we have to fight with self. We are living between the water gate (God’s Word) and the Sheep Gate (Declarations of truth). Unless our lives and declarations come forth from a holy life, they are like the brass shields that fail to reflect His glory.

PRAYER - Personal & Corporate Application:

PERSONAL APPLICATION: "Oh precious Heavenly Father! I come before You now with hands lifted high in worship, strengthened in Your Word, declaring Your Promises, covered in Your armor.  Lord, search me, body soul and spirit, and see if there is anything within me that displeases You.  I ask that You reveal any iniquities within me, whether familiar or hidden, for I desire to be that pure, spotless bride that You seek.  I want to be that light on the hill within my household, within my community, wherever You assign me. I long to reflect Your Love, Your Brilliance so that You may be acknowledged and glorified in all that I say and do.  Teach me to be holy as You are holy.  Lord, I do not want to heard as a clanging cymbol, I desire to be a sweet sweet sound in Your ear!  I long to enter the Horse Gate, running alongside Your chariot of FIRE, shouting 'The king of Kings is coming, prepare ye the way!'  Help me to prepare this earthly vessel now from the inside out so that Your light SHINES from within me like the bright morning sun.  May all people be drawn to the goodness, the grace and the mercy that You have showered upon me so Your Love will be reflected through me to a lost and hurting world.  May all people see YOU when they look at me, I ask these things Adonai in your name! alleluia!

CORPORATE APPLICATIION: “Lord, we long to see you establish holiness and justice in Jerusalem so that it is a ‘Mountain of Holiness’. (Jer 31:23,24) May the holy land become holy again. We petition you to visit Israel and the cities of our nations with your measuring line. We ask for you to restore David’s Shields in our worship gatherings representing your holy and glorious presence. Give us a hunger and thirst for your righteousness. Open the Horse Gate in Jerusalem, our cities, and our homes. Evict all the wickedness from our lives and worship centers that we may seek you with clean hands and pure hearts. Father, establish your son on the thrones of our hearts and the seats of authority in our communities. We pray welcoming your holy chariot through each Horse Gate represented in all our cities. Let it be so Adonai.