Topical Bible: Gates of Righteousness

Bible > Topical > Gates of Righteousness

◄ Gates of Righteousness ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Gates of Righteousness" is a metaphorical expression found in the Bible, specifically in the Old Testament, and is often associated with the entrance into the presence of God, symbolizing access to His divine favor and blessings. This concept is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural context of ancient Israel, where gates served as significant places of gathering, judgment, and worship.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to the "Gates of Righteousness" is found in Psalm 118:19-20 : "Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it."

Context and Interpretation:

Psalm 118 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise, traditionally attributed to King David. It is part of the Hallel, a collection of psalms (Psalms 113-118) recited during Jewish festivals. The "Gates of Righteousness" in this context are understood as the entryway into the Temple in Jerusalem, where worshippers would come to offer sacrifices and give thanks to God. The psalmist's plea to open these gates signifies a desire to enter into God's holy presence and participate in communal worship.

Theologically, the "Gates of Righteousness" represent more than just physical entry into a sacred space; they symbolize the spiritual journey towards righteousness and holiness. The righteous, those who live in accordance with God's laws and commandments, are granted access to these gates, highlighting the importance of moral integrity and faithfulness in one's relationship with God.

Symbolism and Application:

In a broader sense, the "Gates of Righteousness" can be seen as a metaphor for the pathway to salvation and eternal life. In Christian theology, this concept is often linked to Jesus Christ, who is described as the "gate" or "door" through which believers enter into a reconciled relationship with God. In John 10:9 , Jesus states, "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved."

The imagery of gates also evokes the idea of judgment and discernment. In ancient cities, gates were places where elders and leaders would sit to render judgments and make important decisions. Thus, the "Gates of Righteousness" can also be understood as a place where one's life and actions are evaluated in light of God's standards.

Practical Implications:

For believers, the "Gates of Righteousness" serve as a reminder of the call to live a life that is pleasing to God, characterized by righteousness, justice, and obedience to His Word. It encourages self-examination and a commitment to spiritual growth, as well as a reliance on God's grace to enter into His presence.

In worship and prayer, the concept of the "Gates of Righteousness" invites believers to approach God with humility and gratitude, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance and strength to live according to His will.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 118:19
Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The "Gates of Hades" and the "Gates of Zion" Contrasted.
... Let, then, the principalities and powers with which our wrestling is, be called
gates of Hades, but the "ministering spirits" [5649] gates of righteousness. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/13 the gates of hades.htm

None Can Ascend to Heaven Without Faith; in any Case...
... Even those of the which the Psalmist sings in another place also: "Open to me the
gates of righteousness." [2343] Open, then, thy gates to Christ, that He may ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii none can ascend.htm

We Would Say, Moreover, that Death Ceases in the World when the ...
... not incredible that the gates which are said to open spontaneously are referred
obscurely by some to the words, "Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxvi we would say.htm

Psalm CXVIII.
... "Open me," he saith, "the gates of righteousness" (ver 19). Behold, we have heard
of the gates. ... But consider how the gates of righteousness are entered into. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxviii.htm

Let us Return to the Practice of Brotherly Love.
... For [such conduct] is the gate of righteousness, which is set open for the attainment
of life, as it is written, "Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will ...
/.../chapter xlviii let us return to.htm

The Eclectic Philosophy Paves the Way for Divine virtue.
... God we know the will of God." [1880] "Open, then," says the Scripture, "the gates
of righteousness; and I will enter in, and confess to the Lord." [1881] But ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vii the eclectic philosophy paves.htm

Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God.
... "Open ye the gates of righteousness," it is said; "entering into them,
I will confess to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter viii philosophy is knowledge given.htm

The Marvel Is, not that Men have Failed to Know Christ...
... of the new Conqueror"for a Conqueror is always, as it were, taller and greater in
person than others; but, forasmuch as the Gates of Righteousness, which are ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter i the marvel is.htm

The Gospel Refuge.
... will come when the whole world will be found singing together the same song and
uttering the same prayer, "Open unto us the gates of righteousness, that we may ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/iii the gospel refuge.htm