Isaiah 26:2

KJV

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.

KJV (with Strong's)

Open {H6605} ye the gates {H8179}, that the righteous {H6662} nation {H1471} which keepeth {H8104} the truth {H529} may enter in {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Open the gates! Let the righteous nation enter, a nation that keeps faith!

Berean Standard Bible

Open the gates so a righteous nation may enter— one that remains faithful.

American Standard Version

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth faith may enter in.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 26:2 is a profound prophetic declaration within a song of salvation, inviting entry into God's secure, eschatological city. It proclaims that the gates of this divine stronghold are to be opened, not indiscriminately, but specifically for a "righteous nation" that steadfastly "keepeth the truth." This verse encapsulates a foundational biblical principle: access to God's presence and blessings is predicated upon a people's moral integrity and unwavering faithfulness to His revealed Word, foreshadowing the ultimate establishment of His righteous kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 26:2 is situated within a significant prophetic section of Isaiah, often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse" (chapters 24-27). This segment shifts from prophecies of judgment against the nations to a vision of God's ultimate triumph, the restoration of Israel, and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. Chapter 26 itself is a "song of salvation" sung by God's people in that future day. Verse 1 introduces the "strong city" whose salvation serves as walls and bulwarks, setting the stage for the invitation to enter in verse 2. The subsequent verses, such as [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace in God") and [Isaiah 26:4](/isaiah/26-4 "Isaiah 26:4 - Trust in the Lord Forever"), continue to extol God's perfect peace and eternal trustworthiness for those who trust in Him. The immediate context, therefore, is one of divine security and future hope for a purified people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "strong city" with "gates" was deeply resonant in the ancient Near East. Walled cities were primary centers of refuge, commerce, and governance. Gates were not merely entrances but critical points of defense, judgment, and public life. The opening of gates often signified welcome, victory, or the establishment of peace, while closed gates implied siege or exclusion. For ancient Israel, the concept of Jerusalem as God's holy city, though often besieged and conquered, carried the hope of ultimate divine protection. This prophecy likely looks beyond any immediate historical restoration (like the return from Babylonian exile) to a future, ultimate eschatological fulfillment, where God's people will dwell securely in His presence, free from all threats.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Isaiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Security and Protection**, portraying God's kingdom as an impenetrable fortress where His people find refuge, a theme echoed in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). Secondly, it underscores **Righteousness as a Prerequisite** for divine blessing and access. Entry into God's presence is not universal but reserved for those who align with His moral character, a principle consistently taught throughout Scripture, as seen in [Psalm 15](/psalms/15 "Psalm 15 - Who May Dwell on God's Holy Hill?"). Thirdly, the emphasis on "keeping the truth" points to **Faithfulness and Adherence to God's Revealed Word**. It's not just intellectual assent but active preservation and living out of divine truth, a concept vital to the covenant relationship (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:6-9](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - Teaching God's Commands")). Finally, the verse carries strong **Eschatological Hope**, pointing to a future, perfected kingdom where God's people will dwell in everlasting righteousness and peace, a vision that culminates in the New Jerusalem described in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Open (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** This primitive root means "to open wide (literally or figuratively)," implying an unhindered access. It can also mean "to loosen" or "to begin." In this context, it is an imperative command, signaling a divine decree for the gates to be opened, not by human effort, but by divine authority or as a result of divine action. It suggests a welcoming, yet divinely controlled, invitation.
* **Righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be just," this word describes someone who is upright, innocent, and conforms to a divine standard of rightness. It denotes moral integrity and adherence to God's covenant demands. The "righteous nation" is one whose character and conduct are in alignment with God's own justice and holiness, making them fit to enter His holy presence.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _ʼêmûwn'_):** This word, from the root "to be established," signifies trustworthiness, faithfulness, and reliability. It refers to God's revealed truth, His covenant promises, and His moral law. To "keepeth the truth" implies not merely intellectual knowledge but active preservation, diligent adherence, and faithful living according to God's established word and character. It speaks to both doctrinal fidelity and practical integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Open ye the gates":** This is an imperative command, likely addressed to the angelic gatekeepers or to the gates themselves, signifying a divine decree. It announces the imminent opening of access to the "strong city" mentioned in [Isaiah 26:1](/isaiah/26-1 "Isaiah 26:1 - The Strong City of Salvation"), indicating a time of welcome and security.
* **"that the righteous nation":** This clause specifies the *qualification* for entry. It is not just any nation, but one characterized by "righteousness" (_tsaddîyq_). This points to a people whose moral conduct and character are aligned with God's holy standards, distinguishing them from the unrighteous world.
* **"which keepeth the truth":** This further defines the "righteous nation." Their righteousness is not merely passive but active; they "keep" (_shâmar_) or guard and preserve "the truth" (_ʼêmûwn_). This implies both fidelity to God's revealed Word and faithfulness in living out that truth consistently, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to God's covenant.
* **"may enter in":** This is the purpose of the gates being opened. The qualified nation is granted full access and residency within the secure, blessed city. It signifies a state of divine favor, protection, and communion, embodying the ultimate hope of God's people.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 26:2 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "strong city" with its "gates" serves as a powerful image for God's secure kingdom, His protective presence, or the eschatological dwelling place of the redeemed. The opening of these gates symbolizes divine welcome and access to salvation. **Personification** is also evident in the phrase "the righteous nation which keepeth the truth," attributing the human action of "keeping" to an entire nation, emphasizing its collective character and moral responsibility. Furthermore, the verse uses an **Imperative** ("Open ye the gates"), which functions as a divine command, underscoring the authority and certainty of this future event. The use of a **Qualifying Clause** ("that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth") acts as a condition for entry, highlighting the moral and spiritual prerequisites for dwelling in God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 26:2 articulates a profound theological truth: access to God's ultimate salvation and presence is not universal but conditional upon a people's righteousness and faithfulness to His truth. This aligns with the consistent biblical emphasis on God's holiness and His demand for a holy people. The "righteous nation" anticipates a community transformed by God's grace, reflecting His character in their lives. This verse speaks to the nature of true worship and relationship with God—it is not merely ritualistic but involves a life of integrity and unwavering commitment to His revealed will. It also reinforces the theme of divine sovereignty, as God Himself dictates who enters His dwelling.

* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")
* [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord' Will Enter")
* [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Only Those Written in the Lamb's Book of Life Enter the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 26:2 serves as both an inspiring promise and a challenging call to introspection for believers today. It assures us that there is a secure dwelling in God's presence, a place of peace and protection, for those who truly belong to Him. This promise fosters hope and trust in God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His kingdom. However, it also presents a vital challenge: are we, individually and corporately, truly a "righteous nation" that "keepeth the truth"? This calls us to a diligent pursuit of holiness, living lives that reflect God's justice and integrity in all our dealings. It compels us to not only believe God's Word but to actively guard it against distortion, to live by its precepts, and to stand firm in its truth in a world often hostile to it. Our entry into God's eternal presence is intrinsically linked to our present walk of faith and obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does my life demonstrate a pursuit of righteousness and adherence to God's truth?**
* **How can I actively "keep" or guard God's truth in my daily life and against cultural pressures?**
* **What does it mean for my local church to be a "righteous nation" in its community?**
* **How does the promise of entry into God's secure city strengthen my hope amidst current challenges?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "righteous nation" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "righteous nation" (Hebrew: *gôwy tsaddîyq*) initially referred to a purified remnant of Israel, those who remained faithful to God's covenant amidst apostasy and judgment. However, in its broader prophetic and eschatological context, it points to God's true people, those who are justified by faith and live in accordance with His righteous standards. This concept expands in the New Testament to include all believers, both Jew and Gentile, who constitute the Church, the spiritual Israel of God, as described in [Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26-29 - All Are One in Christ Jesus").

**What does it mean to "keepeth the truth"?**

Answer: To "keepeth the truth" (Hebrew: *shâmar ʼêmûwn*) means to actively guard, preserve, observe, and remain faithful to God's revealed truth. It implies more than mere intellectual assent; it involves diligent adherence to God's Word, living according to its principles, and defending it against error. It encompasses both doctrinal fidelity and practical integrity, demonstrating a steadfast loyalty to God's character and His commands. This active "keeping" is essential for a nation or an individual to be truly "righteous" in God's sight, as highlighted in [John 8:31-32](/john/8-31 "John 8:31-32 - Abiding in Jesus' Word Brings Freedom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 26:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "righteous nation" that is granted entry into God's secure city is ultimately comprised of those who are made righteous through faith in Him. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of "the truth" (as declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and it is by believing in Him and "keeping" His word that believers become part of this righteous people. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the barrier of sin that separated humanity from God was removed, and the "gates" to God's presence, once guarded by cherubim after the fall ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - The Cherubim Guard the Way to the Tree of Life")), were flung open. Believers, by virtue of their union with Christ, are now a "holy nation, a people for God's own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation")), granted access to the Father through the new and living way that He inaugurated through His flesh ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the eschatological hope of Isaiah 26:2 is realized in the Church, the body of Christ, which anticipates full entry into the New Jerusalem, where only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life may enter ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Only Those Written in the Lamb's Book of Life Enter the New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 5:9

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Psalms 118:20

This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.

Isaiah 60:11

Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that [men] may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and [that] their kings [may be] brought.

Isaiah 62:10

¶ Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.

Isaiah 62:2

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

Isaiah 60:21

Thy people also [shall be] all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.