Open to me the gates, of righteousness.
The realm of righteousness
I. A felt obstruction to it. Open to me the gates of righteousness. ‘The gates of righteousness are closed to us--closed not by God, but closed by ourselves--closed by ignorance, prejudice, sensuality, worldliness, unbelief, pride. Who does not feel the obstruction?
II. A determination to enter the realms of righteousness. “The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence,” etc. We must agonize to enter in. We have to wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers, principalities and darkness, and crush them on our way to the gates.
III. A welcome into the realms of righteousness (verse 20). If this response is from within the sacred enclosure it may be taken as a welcome. Spiritually all within the realm of righteousness are ready to welcome us. Saints, angels, Christ--all are ready to welcome us. (Homilist.)
The gates of righteousness
Though by “the gates of righteousness” the psalmist mainly refers to the gates of the sanctuary, the words may be taken in a sense that will suggest truths of the most vital moment, and of universal application.
I. They suggest that a state of “righteousness” is a most desirable state for man.
1. The want of it is the cause of all the evils that afflict humanity. All physical, social, political, intellectual, and moral evils arise from unrighteousness.
2. The possession of it will secure all good. Let all men be righteous in the principles of action towards God, and man and Eden will bloom again.
II. They suggest that into this most desirable state there is a certain way of entrance. “The gates of righteousness.” One Scriptural expression will describe the gates:--“Repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Those gates are difficult to enter. “Strive to enter in,” etc. (Matthew 7:13). Those gates are exclusive. There are no other ways of entrance.
III. They suggest that men require assistance to enter these gates. “Open to me the gates.” Whomsoever the psalmist, in the words might appeal to, in order to open the gates of the sanctuary, we know that spiritually no one can open the gates of righteousness but God Himself. He leads the soul unto repentance and faith--
(1) Through the revelation of His Son.
(2) Through the events of His providence.
(3) Through the work of His Spirit.
IV. They suggest that when the entrance is fully obtained the man will be taken up with worship. “I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord.” Worship is at once the great want and grand end of man’s existence. (Homilist.)