The Mercy Gate

The Golden Gate, on the eastern side of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, features prominently among Jews, Christians and Muslims as the place of the Last Judgment. In ancient times, judgments were rendered in the gates of the city (Gen. 19:1, 23:10). Since the Messiah was to come from the East (Matthew 24:27, Luke 19:35-38), it was concluded that his judgment would be at the eastern gate. In the assumption that the dead in the immediate vicinity will be the first to be raised, Muslims, Christians, and Jews want to be buried as close as possible to this gate.

According to Jewish tradition, the Shekhinah (שכינה) (Divine Presence) used to appear through this gate, and will appear again when the Messiah comes (Ezekiel 44:1–3). Then, a new gate will replace the present one now called Sha'ar Harachamim (שער הרחמים), the Gate of Mercy.

Christians believe that Jesus passed through this gate on Palm Sunday and upon His second coming, will enter the city through this gate. (Zechariah 14:4-5.) 

Muslims call it the Bab el-Dahariyeh - Gate of Eternity, recalling the visions of Joel 4:2 and 12, or the Twin Gate, because of its shape.

In Biblical times, the gate was known as the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:2,10.) It probably also existed during the period of Aelia Capitolina (Roman Period).

The top picture shows the Kidron Valley and part of Jerusalem’s Old City Wall with the Golden Gate, taken from the direction of the Mount of Olives.