Therefore thy gates shall be open continually
This is expressive both of the peaceable state of the church, that she shall be in no danger, nor fear of enemies; there being none to hurt and destroy in all the holy mountain; and therefore under no concern to keep her gates shut; see ( Ezekiel 38:11 ) and of the vast concourse of people to it continually; converts from all parts shall be always coming in, and the gates of the church will stand open always to receive them; they will be welcome, come as many as will; there will be no objection to them, no hinderance of them; ministers and people will gladly embrace them; see ( Isaiah 26:2 ) and likewise of the capacity of the church to receive them; for though they will be continually coming in great numbers, yet still there will be room; the gates will not be shut upon them, as unable to receive more; place will be given for them to dwell in; her tents will be enlarged; the curtains of her habitation stretched out; her cords lengthened, and stakes strengthened; so that though she breaks forth on the right hand, and on the left, there will be room for them all, ( Isaiah 54:2 ) ( 49:20 ) , they shall not be shut day nor night;
this clause is referred to in ( Revelation 21:25 ) but there differently expressed, and the gates of it shall not be shut at all day, for there shall be no
night there;
the reason of which difference is, because the New Jerusalem state, or personal reign of Christ, will be a perfect state, and no night at all in it; but the spiritual reign of Christ, to which this prophecy relates, will be an imperfect one, though glorious; and therefore mention is made both of day and night: that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles;
the whole strength of them, their armies; (See Gill on Isaiah 60:5). The Targum paraphrases it, the substance of the people, their wealth and riches: and that their kings may be brought;
or "led" F4, either in state, as kings on horseback sometimes are, or rather as captives in chains; see ( Isaiah 20:4 ) , so the Targum renders it, "bound"; being conquered by mighty grace, and led in chains of love to Christ, and to his church, and become obedient. Kimchi has this note,
``they shall come before the King Messiah, as servants before their masters.''