The Judge's Platform
Just through the entrance of the gate, archaeologists reconstructed a canopy over the platform on which the ruler of the city sat. To the right, along the stone wall, is a bench possibly where the elders of the city sat. Note the decorative stones on the canopy base. To the right of the canopy, along the wall (not visible), are the stones of a high place.The presence of the ruler or king ready to pass judgment in the gate of the city is behind the prophet Amos' plea for justice in the city gate (Amos 15:15 RSV).
