This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
This is the gate of ADONAI; the righteous can enter it.
This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it.
This is the gate of Jehovah; The righteous shall enter into it.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Revelation 21:24
And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. -
Revelation 21:27
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. -
Isaiah 26:2
Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. -
Psalms 24:7
¶ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. -
Revelation 22:14
Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. -
Revelation 22:15
For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. -
Psalms 24:3
¶ Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
Commentary on Psalms 118:20 (KJV)
Psalms 118:20: "This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter."
Context
Psalm 118 is a vibrant psalm of thanksgiving, part of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118) traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals such as Passover, Sukkot (Tabernacles), and Hanukkah (Dedication). It celebrates God's enduring lovingkindness and miraculous deliverance. The psalmist, likely a king or leader, has experienced great distress and has been delivered by the Lord. Verse 19 sets the stage, with the psalmist requesting, "Open to me the gates of righteousness," implying a desire to enter God's presence to give thanks. Verse 20 is the immediate response or declaration, identifying the specific gate and who is permitted to pass through.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "gate" is sha'ar (שַׁעַר), which can refer to a literal city or temple gate, but here it functions metaphorically as an entrance or access point. The term "righteous" is tsaddiqim (צַדִּיקִים), referring to those who are just, upright, and vindicated. It describes individuals who are in proper covenantal standing with God, acting in accordance with His will. This concept of righteousness is central to understanding who may ascend God's holy hill and enter His presence.
Practical Application
For believers today, Psalms 118:20 offers profound encouragement and a clear challenge. It reminds us that:
Ultimately, this verse is a declaration of God's holy character and His provision for humanity to draw near to Him, emphasizing the essential role of righteousness in that divine encounter.