### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5495}}` (Çûwr) functions as a proper noun, specifically identified as "Sur," a gate of the temple. Unlike verbs or common nouns, its semantic range is singular and fixed, referring to a specific architectural feature within the sacred complex of Jerusalem. While its phonetic similarity to the verb `{{H5493}}` (סוּר, *sûr*), meaning "to turn aside" or "to depart," is noted in some lexical resources, `{{H5495}}` itself does not carry this verbal meaning. Rather, it denotes a fixed geographical or structural point, a named entrance within the temple precincts. Its meaning is therefore entirely tied to its identity as a specific location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun `{{H5495}}` occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Kings 11:6]]. This sole occurrence places the "Gate Sur" in a highly specific and critical historical context: the coup orchestrated by Jehoiada the priest to overthrow the usurper Queen Athaliah and install the rightful king, Joash, from the Davidic line.
In [[2 Kings 11:6]], Jehoiada is giving precise instructions for the deployment of the Levites and priests to guard the temple during this sensitive operation: "a third part at the gate Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard; so shall you keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier." The mention of "Gate Sur" alongside another gate indicates its strategic importance as an access point to the temple. It was clearly a known and critical entry/exit point, requiring careful surveillance and defense. Its inclusion in Jehoiada's meticulous plan underscores the necessity of controlling all points of ingress and egress to ensure the success of the coup and the security of the young king and the temple itself. The context highlights the gate's function as a physical barrier, crucial for maintaining order and preventing unauthorized entry during a period of significant political and religious upheaval.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H5495}}` is a proper noun, its context and potential etymology connect it to several broader concepts:
* **`{{H5493}}` (סוּר, *sûr*)**: As noted, this verb means "to turn aside," "to depart," or "to remove." It is plausible that the gate's name, "Sur," might have been derived from this root, perhaps indicating a place where one turns off a main path, or where a watchman "turns away" an intruder. However, for `{{H5495}}`, this is a linguistic connection, not a semantic one in its biblical usage.
* **Temple Architecture and Gates**: The existence of the Gate Sur points to the complex and fortified nature of the Jerusalem temple. Other gates mentioned in Scripture (e.g., the Beautiful Gate, the Water Gate, the East Gate) underscore the role of gates as controlled access points, not merely for passage but also for defense, judgment, and public assembly. Gates were vital for the security and functioning of ancient cities and sacred precincts.
* **Security and Watchfulness**: The deployment of guards at the Gate Sur in [[2 Kings 11:6]] directly relates to the concept of vigilance, protection, and the maintenance of order. This highlights the human responsibility to safeguard sacred spaces and divine institutions.
* **Restoration of Order**: The context of Joash's anointing and the overthrow of Athaliah signifies a restoration of legitimate authority and divine order. The guarding of the Gate Sur is a small but essential part of this larger narrative of re-establishing righteousness in the kingdom of Judah.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the Gate Sur, while not explicitly expounded upon in Scripture, can be inferred from its context and the broader understanding of temple theology:
* **Sanctity of Sacred Space**: The very act of guarding the Gate Sur, along with other temple entrances, underscores the profound sanctity of the temple as the dwelling place of God's presence. The gate serves as a physical boundary marking the transition from the profane to the sacred, and its protection is an act of reverence for the divine presence within.
* **Divine Providence and Order**: The meticulous planning by Jehoiada, including the strategic placement of guards at the Gate Sur, can be seen as an instrument of divine providence. God was orchestrating the restoration of the Davidic line and the purity of worship, and the security of the temple was integral to this divine plan. The Gate Sur, though a physical structure, thus participates in the narrative of God's sovereign control over history and the protection of His covenant people and institutions.
* **Access and Exclusion**: Gates inherently control access. Theologically, this raises questions about who has access to God's presence and under what conditions. While not directly applied to `{{H5495}}`, the concept of a guarded gate within the temple complex reinforces the idea that access to the holy is not arbitrary but divinely regulated, requiring proper authorization and reverence.
### Summary
`{{H5495}}` (Çûwr) is a unique proper noun, referring to "Sur," a specific gate of the temple in Jerusalem. Its sole biblical appearance in [[2 Kings 11:6]] places it within the critical historical moment of Jehoiada's coup to restore Joash to the throne. In this context, the Gate Sur served as a vital strategic point, guarded to ensure the security of the temple and the success of the operation. While its name may bear a linguistic connection to the verb "to turn aside" (`{{H5493}}`), its biblical meaning is solely that of a named architectural feature. Theologically, its significance lies in its role in safeguarding the sacred space of God's temple and participating in the divine orchestration of the restoration of legitimate kingship and order in Judah. It stands as a silent witness to the importance of protecting the sanctuary and the divine purposes unfolding within its walls.
TRV