Psalm 69:12

Psalm 69:12

A day at the gates

Most communities in Israel had Elders, usually venerable, older men who had wisdom and authority and experience. On approaching a city, town or village, the road usually took locals, and visitors, through a set of gates that marked the boundary for entrance and exit. In times of trouble the gates would be guarded, and the community walls would be fortified. The gates were significant for another reason, there were no civic buildings or marketplaces in smaller settlements, so business was transacted at the gates. In this place, strangers could be identified, and travellers sent on their way. The elders would often be present throughout the day, and it was not unusual for them to meet at the gates to discuss community matters, and they were also available to give legal advice to individuals or families. 

The Psalm describes a typical day at the “Gates” when topical events were being discussed and the name of Yeshua was raised. He had become a popular, public celebrity and the news of His arrest and trial would have made headline news. Very few people supported Him now though, He had quickly become a cause for mockery. (Yesterday’s news, obviously a conman who got His just deserts!) Why even the town drunks, out on the streets, berated Him and poured scorn on His memory. “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Isaiah 53:3. 

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