Zion

The Bible reminds us that gates are important in practical ways. They provide ways to enter or exit a room or other structure. But gates also have spiritual significance.

The gates of Zion were of particular importance. After David captured the Zion stronghold (2 Samuel 5:7), it became the site of the temple, the center of religious life for God’s people. Zion became a symbol in every generation for the places where they gathered to worship Him. And its gates had special meaning.

The Bible reminds us how much God “loves the gates of Zion.” These gates symbolize coming into His presence and the place where we fellowship with Him and worship Him. The Bible tells us that we are to “enter His gates with thanksgiving” (Psalm 100:4). This means coming before Him with hearts overflowing with thanksgiving and praise.

The gates of Zion also represent God’s protection as well as the importance of evangelism. As Jesus said, we are to be like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14), a place filled with joy. We see this when the psalmist wrote that those who sing say, “All my springs of joy are in you” (v. 7).

Seek to enter God’s presence. Fellowship with Him. Worship Him. Seek to be faithful to His call on your life. And be radical in your commitment to His house, people, Word, and Kingdom.