Psalm 122:2

Psalm 122:2

Standing in the gates

It is impossible to describe all the gates of Jerusalem, that were so familiar to David and his contemporaries. The city is entered from several directions and, over the centuries as walls have crumbled or been torn down, so the access points have changed. Let’s just mention some of the more famous of the gates.

Firstly, the Golden Gate. This was constructed in 6th century and faces east in the northern half of the city walls. Standing on the Mount of Olives and looking across the Kidron Valley, its outline can be clearly seen. But there’s something wrong; in 1541 the Gate was sealed by Muslims because the Jews believe that this is the gate through which Messiah will, one day, enter the city. They have even dug graves in front of the gateway in the belief that the Jewish Messiah would never walk on unsanctified ground! 

Another well-known gate is the Damascus Gate; it’s situated in the northern wall of the city and is still in daily use by traffic and pedestrians. Other gateways into the city that are open today are; the Dung Gate, the Lions’ Gate, the Jaffa Gate, the Zion Gate and the New Gate. The remains of ancient entrances have been discovered such as the Tanners’ Gate, the Excavators’ Gate, The Single Gate and the Huldah Gate. The latter two are sealed at this time for they provided access to the Temple Mount.

The point that David is making in the Psalm was that it was impossible to go through the entrances of the great walls of the city without a sense of expectation and welcome. This was his home, this was the dwelling place of the Lord God, he always experienced anticipation as he entered the gates, so to have his feet standing in them was a special moment. 

One day we will dwell in the Golden City, in the New Jerusalem, what a day that will be! For now, the Lord God bids us draw near, to come close, to enter His presence and to stand in the gateways. We are entitled to be filled with anticipation and hope for what will be, for we will leave the pain and trials of this world behind us, a place has been prepared in the heavenly Zion, it has our name on it! We will enter in. Hallelujah!

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