Nehemiah under the influence of the Holy Spirit detailed the different gates. These picture important aspects of the life of believers.
Beginning with salvation at the sheep gate Nehemiah moves on to Evangelism & Service at the fish gate. Then the old gate speaking of God’s ways, followed by humility at the valley gate. He then proceeds through the cleansing of the dung gate on to the renewing of the Holy Spirit at the fountain gate. Then on to the water gate speaking of God’s Word. The horse gate reminds us of the spiritual warfare believers must engage in. The east gate speaks of Christ’s coming whilst the inspection gate speaks of the judgment that will follow. In light of these let us arise and go to the wall for God! Will you enter through each of these gates of spiritual growth? Will you press on to maturity in the Christian life? This is not gained by knowledge alone, but by service and a life of faith.
Scriptures
Nehemiah 1: 4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said:
“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hearthe prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’
10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”
https://sgc.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/The-Gates-of-Nehemiah-SGC2018.pdf