Psalms 118:19
Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to think of "gates of righteousness" as simply meaning the entrance to a holy place. But here, it's more specific: these are the gates belonging to God's righteousness, the very entrance to His presence where His justice and faithfulness reside. The request isn't just for access, but for admission into the sphere where God's righteous character is met and honored.
This verse captures the climax of a triumphant procession as it arrives at the temple gates. Having just celebrated God's powerful deliverance (verses 15-18), the psalmist now calls for entry into the sacred space. These aren't just any gates, but the "gates of righteousness" – the entrance to God's presence where His justice and holiness reside, and where only the righteous are meant to worship.
What exactly are these 'gates of righteousness'? Are they literal doors, or something more profound?
The 'gates of righteousness' in this psalm are primarily understood as the entrances to the Temple, the dwelling place of God.
A Place for the Pure
These gates are called 'gates of righteousness' for a couple of key reasons:
While it speaks to the physical Temple, it also points to the spiritual reality of approaching God, which requires a right standing with Him, either through sacrifice or, ultimately, through Christ.
Why does the psalmist want to enter? It's not just for a visit, but for a specific, vital purpose.
The psalmist's plea to open the gates isn't merely a desire to get inside; it's a declaration of intent.
Twofold Action:
This shows us that genuine worship is an active response to God's goodness, expressed through joyful thanksgiving within the community of faith.
Understand the original words
šaʿar · Hebrew Noun
Entrances to a city or the temple. They symbolize access to the presence of God, community, or a state of safety and favor.
ṣedeq · Hebrew Noun
Living in accordance with God's moral standards and covenant. It denotes a state of being "right" before God through obedience and faith, qualifying one for fellowship with Him.
yādâ · Hebrew Verb
The act of expressing gratitude and adoration to God for His character and His specific acts of grace toward the individual or community.
This psalm likely celebrates the return of the exiles and the dedication of the Second Temple. The plea to 'open the gates' vividly echoes the joy of re-entering the sacred space after its destruction and the long period of exile.
c. 1000 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
King David conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem, establishing it as the capital of Israel. This event sets the stage for the construction of the Temple and the consolidation of worship in one central location.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
King Solomon completes the First Temple in Jerusalem, a magnificent structure intended to house the Ark of the Covenant and serve as the primary center for Israelite worship and sacrifice.
c. 930 BC
Kingdom Divides
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division leads to varying religious practices and political instability.
586 BC
Babylon Destroys Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar II conquers Jerusalem, destroys Solomon's Temple, and deports a significant portion of the population to Babylon. This marks a devastating low point for the Judean people.
This passage echoes the triumphant call to 'lift up your heads' at the gates, directly paralleling the desire expressed in Psalm 118:19 to enter the gates and give praise.
Isaiah 26:1-2Here, the city of righteousness has salvation applied to its walls and gates, mirroring the idea of 'gates of righteousness' that allow access to God's presence and deliverance.
John 10:7Jesus declares Himself to be 'the gate' for the sheep, presenting a New Testament fulfillment where He is the way of access into God's presence for worship and salvation.
Hebrews 10:19-20This passage describes believers entering the 'holy places' through the new and living way opened by Jesus' blood, offering a profound spiritual understanding of the 'gates of righteousness' mentioned in the Psalm.
pulpitPsalms 118:19: "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:"
Verse 19. - Open to me the gates of righteousness. The great gate of the temple being now reached, admission to the interior is requested. The gates are called "the gates of righteousness," (1) as gates which none but the righteous ought to enter (see the next verse); and (2) as gates through which access is gained to the sanctuary of him who alone is truly righteous, and the source of all r…
clarkePsalms 118:19: "Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:"
Open to me the gates - Throw open the doors of the temple, that I may enter and perform my vows unto the Lord.
It's easy to think of "gates of righteousness" as simply meaning the entrance to a holy place. But here, it's more specific: these are the gates belonging to God's righteousness, the very entrance to His presence where His justice and faithfulness reside. The request isn't just for access, but for admission into the sphere where God's righteous character is met and honored.
This verse captures the climax of a triumphant procession as it arrives at the temple gates. Having just celebrated God's powerful deliverance (verses 15-18), the psalmist now calls for entry into the sacred space. These aren't just any gates, but the "gates of righteousness" – the entrance to God's presence where His justice and holiness reside, and where only the righteous are meant to worship.
This verse captures the climax of a triumphant procession as it arrives at the temple gates. Having just celebrated God's powerful deliverance (verses 15-18), the psalmist now calls for entry into the sacred space. These aren't just any gates, but the "gates of righteousness" – the entrance to God's presence where His justice and holiness reside, and where only the righteous are meant to worship.
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538 BC
Return from Exile
After the Persian Empire conquers Babylon, Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing the Judean exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. This marks the beginning of the Second Temple period.
c. 516 BC— this verse
Second Temple Dedicated
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated. Though simpler than Solomon's original, it becomes the heart of Jewish worship and national identity once again.
"Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD." — It's easy to think of "gates of righteousness" as simply meaning the entrance to a holy place. But here, it's more specific: these are the gates belonging to God's righteousness, the very entrance…
