Meaning of DOOR

(a) The fortified cities and palaces had one or more gates that allowed the entry and exit of their inhabitants and that prevented, if necessary, the entry of the enemy. They often had powerful towers protecting them (2 Chron. 26:9).

Often, the door was a monumental, vaulted entrance that passed through the tower. Large bars were crossed against the doors to make them impenetrable (Deut. 3:5; 1 Kings 4:13; 2 Chron. 8:5; 14:7).

The term "gate" also means the most public place in the city, where business was transacted (1 Kings 22:10; 2 Kings 7:1; Ezek. 11:1), where legal transactions were carried out. before witnesses (Gen. 23:10, 18; Rt. 4:1-11).

It was the place where disputes were examined and judged (Deut. 21:19; 22:15; 25:7-9; Jb. 29:7; Am. 5:15). Aristocratic dwellings had portals (Lk. 16:20) that allowed for a luxurious display (Pr. 17:19).

The Hebrew term. "deleth" designates the entire door that rotates on its hinges, as well as the moving leaf (Gen. 19:6; Judges 3:23). The term "tsela" is used in reference to the movable panels of a casement (1 Kings 6:34).

In Solomon's Temple, the sanctuary door apparently occupied 1/4 of the wall (1 Kings 6:33). In the present state of our knowledge, the interpretation of this passage is not very certain. The LXX and the Vulgate translate "quadrangular door."

For the Gate of the Sheep, the Fish, the Fountain, see JERUSALEM b, C.

(b) "Door" is used metaphorically from means of entry to blessing. The Lord Jesus Christ said: “I am the door; "Whoever enters through me will be saved." Salvation is only through Him (John 10:9).

He also said that, as a true Shepherd, He had entered the fold through the door; that is, although he was the Son of God, he entered obediently through what God had commanded, being circumcised, presented in the Temple, and also becoming part of the residue through baptism (John 10:1-9; cf. Luke 2:21-22; 3:21-22).

God opened “the door of faith” to the Gentiles through the ministry of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:27). Opportunities for service are called “open doors” (cf. 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12; Col. 4:3; Rev. 3:8).

In the Church in its Laodicean state the Lord is presented outside of it, asking for admission, so that some may hear him individually, with a promise of blessing to those who open to him (Rev. 3:20).