Gates Game

Hanani brought news to Nehemiah that the walls of Jerusalem were torn down and the gates had been destroyed by fire. This left Jerusalem without protection against enemy armies, robbers and thieves, and even wild animals. It was important to restore the walls and the gates. The once proud and strong people of Jerusalem were disgraced before their enemies because the walls were in ruins. The walls represented God’s presence and protection of His people, so it appeared that God was no longer with them!

In Nehemiah 3, ten different gates are listed that Nehemiah assigned people to repair. These gates are sometimes called different names in other Bible versions. In the New Living Translation, the names are:

1. Sheep Gate. 2. Fish Gate. 3. Old Gate. 4. Valley Gate. 5. Dung Gate. 6. Fountain Gate. 7. Water Gate. 8. Horse Gate. 9. East Gate. 10. Inspection Gate.

Besides rebuilding the actual walls, Nehemiah and his workers faced another challenge to replace the doors in the gates that were destroyed. Today, these game boards each represent the city of Jerusalem. You will be Nehemiah’s workers and set up the doors in the gates that are marked on the game boards.

Divide the children into two teams. Demonstrate the game as you explain it. Hold up a Gates Game Board and a domino or block. Every gate on this game board needs two of these “doors.” When it’s your turn, you will walk quickly from the starting line to the pile and get a domino, which represents a door. You will then stand the domino on its edge at one of the gates marked on the game pattern, then go to the end of your team’s line. The next player on your team will take a turn and add the second “door” to that gate to complete it. If a door falls over, it must be “repaired” (or put back in place) by that player! The first team to repair all ten gates wins—which means all 20 doors are standing on your team’s game board.

Conclusion: You sure have what it takes to be gate builders. Imagine the huge task that Nehemiah’s workers faced. Many of them had no building experience. Repairing and setting the doors in the gates was a big challenge. Imagine having to be on guard and ready for a possible attack from the enemy while you worked! Nehemiah carefully organized and inspired his workers to make sure they were ready for every challenge!