Psalms 118:19-20
Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just a general wish to worship; it's a specific plea for access to God's dwelling place, the Temple. The "gates of righteousness" weren't just any doors; they were the exclusive entrance to God's holy presence, meant only for those who were righteous and clean to approach Him.
This verse arrives at a moment of triumphant arrival at the Temple, after a long journey and a profound deliverance. It's like the climax of a victory parade, where the procession is demanding entry into the holy sanctuary to offer thanks for God's powerful intervention. What follows shows that this isn't just any gate, but specifically the "gate of the LORD," meant only for the righteous.
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 was likely sung by a returning exile or a victorious leader, perhaps even a king, approaching the rebuilt Temple. The 'gates of righteousness' represent not just a physical entrance, but the authorized, holy access granted by God to His presence, especially after a time of sin and separation.
c. 1000 BC
David Establishes Jerusalem
King David captures the Jebusite city of Jerusalem and makes it his capital, renaming it the City of David. This event sets the stage for the construction of the Temple.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Completed
King Solomon completes the First Temple in Jerusalem, a magnificent structure that becomes the central place of worship and sacrifice for Israel.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem remaining the capital of Judah.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem and destroy the First Temple, exiling many Judeans. This is a profound crisis for Israel's identity and worship.
This passage uses similar language of demanding gates open, specifically 'Lift up your heads, O gates!' connecting to the idea of an entrance into God's presence.
Isaiah 26:2This verse speaks of a city with 'righteous gates' that remain open for a people who 'keeps righteousness,' directly echoing the 'gates of righteousness' theme.
Luke 1:77This passage describes giving knowledge of salvation 'to his people by the forgiveness of their sins,' which connects to the idea of entering in to give thanks for salvation.
Hebrews 10:19This verse explains that we have 'confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,' offering a New Testament perspective on the way into God's presence that was symbolized by these gates.
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.
This isn't just a general wish to worship; it's a specific plea for access to God's dwelling place, the Temple. The "gates of righteousness" weren't just any doors; they were the exclusive entrance to God's holy presence, meant only for those who were righteous and clean to approach Him.
This verse arrives at a moment of triumphant arrival at the Temple, after a long journey and a profound deliverance. It's like the climax of a victory parade, where the procession is demanding entry into the holy sanctuary to offer thanks for God's powerful intervention. What follows shows that this isn't just any gate, but specifically the "gate of the LORD," meant only for the righteous.
This verse arrives at a moment of triumphant arrival at the Temple, after a long journey and a profound deliverance. It's like the climax of a victory parade, where the procession is demanding entry into the holy sanctuary to offer thanks for God's powerful intervention. What follows shows that this isn't just any gate, but specifically the "gate of the LORD," meant only for the righteous.
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c. 539 BC
Persian Empire Rises
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon. He soon issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Dedicated
After decades of rebuilding, the Second Temple is completed and dedicated. Though less grand than Solomon's, it becomes the heart of Jewish worship once more.
Date Unknown (Likely Post-Exilic)— this verse
Processional Entry into the Temple
The psalm is likely sung as a triumphant procession approaches the newly rebuilt Second Temple, seeking entrance to give thanks for deliverance and God's faithfulness.
"Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it." — This isn't just a general wish to worship; it's a specific plea for access to God's dwelling place, the Temple. The "gates of righteousness" weren't just any doors; they were the exclusive entrance t…
