PHILIPPE BOHSTROM: The bible relates that Geshur had been given to the part of the tribe of Manasseh which lived east of the Jordan River, and treats it as an early site of coexistence: "But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maakah, so they continue to live among the Israelites" (Joshua 13:13).
DAVID'S TENT
PHILIPPE BOHSTROM: “They had a domestic assemblage inside the chamber, like they were feeding the god of the gate. It was part of their ritual,” Dr. Carl Savage of Drew University told Haaretz.
Benches discovered in the courtyard indicate that the local court was situated at the gate (De. 16:18;21-18-20;22:15.)
The Book of Nehemiah 8:1 implies that the gate was a place where the Law was read to the congregated people. Some believe that the very concept of the synagogue may have originated from reading the bible at the city gates.In fact, the gates weren't only apparently a religious center. Much of the city's or kingdom's official business took place there, and transactions were recorded there.
The gates were in essence the center of public life. Travelers and merchants would necessarily have to pass that way. So would anybody who worked in the fields. The gates were where one would go to get the latest news.
