Babylon, the mysterious, Babylon the great, a place of horrendous beginnings for Israel and yet from it sprout the spiritual fruits that still influence today's and the still to come events. A dark period in Israel's history that was more than just exile, it was a crucible that refined Jewish faith and laid the groundwork for future resilience. This fiery process, produced a golden inheritance that all would envy but very few would dare to pay the price. Gen 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. Israel had lost its form and the heart of the nation had become void of any form of love for God, truly darkness covered this nation. Like any diseased tree, all the affected branches had to be pruned off if there was to be any chance of survival, any chance to save the seed for future plantings. A man named Zerubbabel led the first wave of Jewish exiles back from Babylon and lays the foundation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling prophetic hopes and restoring worship. There is something special about Zerubbabel for he was the grandson of King Jehoiachin (Jeconiah), thus making him a direct descendant of King David. The name Zerubbabel means "born in Babylon" or "seed of Babylon," reflecting his birth during the exile and the integration of Jewish elites into Babylonian society. Zerubbabel a direct descendant of David laid the cornerstone of the second Temple in Jerusalem, the very Temple that Jesus the final descendant of David would minister in. With the Temple restored, focus then shifted to the walls and there yet remained the last component of the great city that required detailed attention. These are the Gates which are the entrances and exit points, those that either hold the city or give it away. Each gate is a focal point of the community's interaction with the city; each gate carries its own facilities and makes provision for our needs. It is the specific order that the Gates are rebuilt in that carry the revelation of God's divine order and structure for the complete development or restoration of the soul. All of God's work is done in His order and according to His divine pattern. It is indisputable that the gates of ancient cities were important as a means of providing access to the city while also maintaining the security of that city. Gates allow a city to breathe in and out, to re-supply itself, to receive in the water of life while removing the waste. The safety of its citizens is paramount in all their functioning. Any city that abides on a hill with strong walls and gates, immediately communicates to its enemies that there is a certain price to be paid in order to take control over her. The price demanded will have to be paid in full. It is therefore important to ensure that the gates and walls are well maintained and kept in good condition otherwise the price will become what anyone could afford. In our spiritual journey of growth we always have choices that will need to be made and these need to be subjected to the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught us to pray "deliver us from evil and lead us not into temptation," this is not a once in a lifetime prayer, this should be our daily prayer. Our enemy the devil neither sleeps nor slumbers but goes to and fro in the Earth seeking whom he may devour. Our walls and gates must always be in perfect condition, ready and able to withstand the onslaught of our enemies. We are but musicians in a divine orchestra, where the Father is the Composer, Jesus is the Conductor, and the Holy Spirit our Teacher. Our small parts will come, and when it does, it will all harmonise with the eternal composition of God's Creational melody.