The Gate of Ephraim

The second to last gate was probably part of the walls of the temple courts as it is not mentioned in Nehemiah 3 during the rebuilding work. It is spoken of later in chapter 8.

Nehemiah 8:16

16. 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.

Ephraim was the second son of Joseph, though blessed as the firstborn. Generations later Jeroboam led Ephraim, and the other Northern tribes of Israel in revolt against Rehoboam, Solomon’s son. Judah in the south became separate from the rest of Israel.
The problem of backsliding

Time and again Israel fell into sin, as we often do.
The book of Hosea speaks of many of the issues between Ephraim and God. Here are just a few that faced Ephraim, and likewise any who fall into sin and backslide.

1. They had looked to the world for help (Hosea 7:11)
2. They had stopped praying (Hosea 7:7)
3. They had become one with the world (Hosea 7:8)
4. They kept only the form of religion (Hosea 7:14)

God is a God of love, however he is also a God of righteous judgement, and he will pour out his judgement on those that spurn him, just as he did to Ephraim.

1. They will be forsaken by God (Hosea 4:17)
2. They won’t be able to find God when they need help (Hosea 5:6)
3. They will become a figure of ridicule (Hosea 5:9)
4. They will be torn down (Hosea 5:14)

Thankfully Ephraim was restored, giving us this picture of restoration in the Gate of Ephraim.
You may be challenged by some great preaching, or persuaded by a well presented documentary, but until you really read it in the bible I guarantee you will not make any significant long term changes in your life.

James 1:22-25

22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

True repentance and reconciliation with God is marked by several key indicators in your life.

1. A change to follow God’s ways (Nehemiah 10:9)
2. A return to praying (1 John 1:9)
3. A renewed separation from the World (1 Peter 2:9)
4. A heart of true worship (Nehemiah 9:3)

There are many in need of the restoration of the Gate of Ephraim, and each of us has a need for restoration in some area of our lives. Returning to reading God’s word daily is the first step. God is faithful to fulfil his part in this. What about you?