The Great Wall of China is so large it can be seen from outer space. It took 500 years to build the 1400 mile long wall and was an extraordinary feat of construction to try to keep the Mongols out.
Even before China ancient civilization built walls around their cities to keep the enemy out. In ancient Israel almost every city of significance had a wall. This was a deterrent for advancing forces and a necessary form of protections.
Archers and militia could stand on the walls and shoot down to the enemy with the higher advantage. It also made cities much more difficult to attack. It sometimes took years for an enemy to breech the walls of a city depending on its size. Walls were really important.
What made the Great Wall of China so extraordinary was it was an attempt to protect the whole nation and not just a city. But after all that work it easily failed. How? In 1644 a simple bribe to a general and the guards made it all possible. The Manchu then came in and overran China regardless of the wall.
The gatekeepers were everything. They sat at the city gates and they were the ones who decided who came in and who did not. It was their job to make sure spies did not infiltrate the cities, but also that foreigners could come in and do business. It was not an easy task as it meant questioning all outsiders and vetting them.
Because of this a main ministry of the Levites was to serve as gatekeepers. There were actually 212 men serving as gatekeepers (1 Chr 9:22). It was considered a “trusted position” (1 Chr 9:22) because if they ever gave in to bribes or even failed to be watchful, the city could be destroyed. The lives of the citizens depending on their integrity and discretion.
It’s interesting to note that there were “four chief gatekeepers, who were were Levites” (1 Chr 9:26). It is said of them that they “spent the night in the vicinity of God’s temple, because they had guard duty and were in charge of opening it every morning” (1 Chr 9:27).
In today’s world we no longer have the same kind of “gatekeepers” who stand at city walls. Instead we have digital defense with military support. They are the gatekeepers. Each nation of the world also has its own vetting processes to decide who comes in and out. It requires passports, visas and much paperwork for those who want to stay extended times.
But there is a spiritual dimension that we can take this to also. In our work places, whether we are in business, science/tech, arts/entertainment, in many ways those in leadership also have the responsibility of being gatekeepers. What comes in and what stays out?
Is compromise let in or righteous growth? Are subtly deceitful practices let in or are they banned? What is let in and out of our families? Do we so yes to everything or do we need to say no, not in this household? In my own life, what comes in? What is seen on the internet and how much time is spent on social media?
We are all gatekeepers for our own lives, in our families, in our jobs, in our churches. It is our job to welcome good things and righteous things that give life to the city. It’s also our job to take courage and say no to some things that can bring destruction.
What do we let in our gate? What do we keep out?
