Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about a literal city's gates opening; "truth" here means fidelity or faithfulness. So, it's a call to open the way for a nation that not only does what's right but also remains steadfastly loyal to God, even through hardship.
Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the prophecy of God's secure city and salvation, this verse is a triumphant cry. It's like a grand announcement, heralding the return and joyful entry of God's faithful people into a restored, secure place. This is envisioned not just as a physical return but as entry into God's presence and kingdom, a concept that extends from ancient Jerusalem to the heavenly city.
Imagine a grand city, its gates sealed shut. Who gets to enter, and how is the entrance granted?
This verse paints a picture of a glorious entrance. The gates aren't just thrown open to anyone; they swing wide for a specific group: 'the righteous nation that keeps faith.' This isn't about human effort earning a spot. Instead, it highlights that righteousness and faithfulness are the keys. It’s about a people who have been made righteous by God's grace and who actively trust in Him, clinging to His truth even when it's difficult. This faithfulness is what allows them to pass through the gates into God's presence.
What does it truly mean to 'keep the truth' in a world of changing ideas?
The phrase 'keeps faith' or 'keeps the truth' is crucial here. It doesn't just mean intellectually agreeing with a set of doctrines. It points to a deep-seated fidelity, a steadfast commitment to what is true and right, rooted in God Himself. This truth is not a human invention but God’s revealed reality. The 'righteous nation' is defined not by its own merit but by its persistent adherence to this divine truth, even through hardship and opposition. This commitment is what sets them apart and qualifies them for entry.
Understand the original words
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tsaddiyq · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
One who is in a right relationship with God, characterized by conformity to His moral standards and covenant requirements. This righteousness is fundamentally a gift from God, demonstrated by obedient faith.
emunim · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting steadfastness, fidelity, and reliability in a covenant relationship. It encompasses both God's faithfulness to His promises and the believer's enduring commitment to God.
This verse speaks to a future hope of restored people entering a secure community. While it echoes the literal return from Babylonian exile, its ultimate fulfillment is seen in the inclusion of all who 'keep faith' into God's redeemed people through Christ, symbolized by the open gates of the Church and ultimately the New Jerusalem.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian king Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem, but the city was miraculously spared. This event would have deeply impressed upon the people the importance of God's protection and His faithfulness to a remnant.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and exiled a significant portion of the population. This period of national devastation and dispersion is a crucial backdrop for prophecies of return and restoration.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, paving the way for the return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem. This marked the beginning of the post-exilic period.
516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem was completed, symbolizing a return to national and religious life, though on a smaller scale than before the exile.
c. 440-430 BC
Nehemiah's Reforms and Wall Rebuilding
Nehemiah led the effort to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and enacted reforms to strengthen the community, signifying a restoration of the city's physical and spiritual boundaries.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple, leading to further dispersion and a profound sense of loss and waiting for messianic redemption.
First Century AD onward— this verse
The Gospel Era and the Church
The advent of Jesus Christ and the spread of the Gospel brought a new understanding of God's people and His kingdom, accessible through faith in Christ.
This psalm echoes Isaiah's call to open the gates, describing a similar scene of righteous entry and divine praise.
Revelation 21:27The book of Revelation paints a picture of the heavenly city where only those whose names are written in the Book of Life, symbolizing righteousness and faithfulness, can enter.
John 1:14This passage highlights Jesus as the embodiment of grace and truth, who makes divine fellowship possible, paralleling the idea of 'keeping the truth' leading to entry.
Romans 3:23-24It explains that righteousness is not earned by human effort but is a gift received through faith in Christ's redemptive work, underscoring the nature of the 'righteous nation'.
Hebrews 12:22-24This New Testament passage describes believers as having already come to the heavenly Jerusalem, a spiritual reality that Isaiah anticipates with the imagery of opening gates.
cambridgeIsaiah 26:2: "Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in."
2 . Comp. Psalm 118:19-20 ; Revelation 22:14 . “Truth” here means “troth,” fidelity ( Deuteronomy 32:20 ).
barnesIsaiah 26:2: "Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in."
Open ye the gates - This is probably the language of a chorus responding to the sentiment in Isaiah 26:1 . The captive people are returning; and this cry is made that the gates of the city may be thrown open, and that they may be permitted to enter without obstruction (compare Psalm 24:7 , Psalm 24:9 ; Psalm 118:19 ). That the righteous nation which keepeth the truth - Who, during their long captiv…
This verse isn't just about a literal city's gates opening; "truth" here means fidelity or faithfulness. So, it's a call to open the way for a nation that not only does what's right but also remains steadfastly loyal to God, even through hardship.
Following the prophecy of God's secure city and salvation, this verse is a triumphant cry. It's like a grand announcement, heralding the return and joyful entry of God's faithful people into a restored, secure place. This is envisioned not just as a physical return but as entry into God's presence and kingdom, a concept that extends from ancient Jerusalem to the heavenly city.
Following the prophecy of God's secure city and salvation, this verse is a triumphant cry. It's like a grand announcement, heralding the return and joyful entry of God's faithful people into a restored, secure place. This is envisioned not just as a physical return but as entry into God's presence and kingdom, a concept that extends from ancient Jerusalem to the heavenly city.
"Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in." — This verse isn't just about a literal city's gates opening; "truth" here means fidelity or faithfulness. So, it's a call to open the way for a nation that not only does what's right but also rema…
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Last reviewed October 2026