The Meeting at the Golden Gate

"In the records of the twelve tribes of Israel was Joachim, a man rich exceedingly; and he brought his offerings double, saying: There shall be of my superabundance to all the people, and there shall be the offering for my forgiveness to the Lord for a propitiation for me." (Gospel of James 1)

View of the Golden Gate from the Mount of Olives

According to an ancient legend a beautiful love story takes place between Joachim, a shepherd who tended flocks near Nazareth, and Anne, the daughter of Matthan the priest at the Golden Gate. The tale about the couple relates that they had been married a long time, and loved each other deeply. They were happy and their lives seemed perfect in every way, except that the they were childless. The Joachim and Anne had hoped and prayed for a child, but over the years had become satisfied, because of their love for God and for each other. The accepted as fact that it was not the God’s will for them to have children.

The Vision of Joachim

The Golden Legend, a book of hagiographies by Jacobus de Voragine completed in about 1260 AD, tells the story of Joachim and Ann. It relates how one day when Joachim went to the Temple during the Feast of Tabernacles in order to offer a gift to God, a priest told him his offering was not acceptable because of his wife’s barrenness. The shepherd, who was very dedicated to God was highly distraught, for his relationship with God was pure. He wondered why the Lord would not accept an offering given in love.

The Golden Gate entrance to Temple Mount

Joachim went to pray, and read the stories of Abraham, Elkanah, and Manoah, Each of these men’s wives, although barren for many years, bore sons in old age. Upon understanding the Biblical record of these couples, Joachim realized his offering was acceptable, and immediately returned home. He selected ten of his best lambs and went to make an offering at the Temple.

View of Jerusalem from Mount Scopus

At the same time Joachim’s wife Anne became depressed, went out to the garden and sat down under a laurel tree to pray. While she was in prayer, an angel of the Lord came to her and said, “Anna, Anna, the Lord God has heard your prayer. You will conceive and give birth to a child who will become famous in the world.”

Map of Jerusalem in Temple times

Immediately Anne arose and went to the Temple to pray. As she approached the Golden Gate and was about to enter, she saw Joachim arriving at the same gate with ten lambs from the flock. The two embraced, and Anne asked her husband why he was bringing the offering. He said he had seen an angel who told him, “Joachim, the Lord God has heard your prayer.” The pair entered the Temple in order to give thanks to God.

Joachim meets Anne at the Golden Gate

Nine months later Anne gave birth to a daughter and gave her the name Mary because the years of bitterness and waiting had come to an end. The elderly couple cared for their daughter and brought her up in the Lord. When she became a young woman she was betrothed to a carpenter named Joseph, and from this holy couple was born the Child named Jesus.

Over 250 great stories about Israel

More about this anecdote, and other stories related to the Holy Land can be found in the new book, Israel: Stories for Your Journey, available on Kindle for $1.99.