A gate opens to a path or a city, perhaps a home. To go on the path or into the place requires a decision by the one travelling. The word “gates” can signify power or dominion because in old times judgment and legal business were done in the gates of cities.
Each of us is going somewhere and into concourse of some kind. Physically or temporally, someone might sit down and refuse to move but, spiritually, with every second of time, each of us is going to an eternal destination. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13, 14).
“Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King” (Psalm 48:2). Go in with the King. God promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob blessings which extended to all families of the earth and would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Once when Jacob journeyed to Padan-Aram to marry a wife and work for his father-in-law, he stopped to rest and dreamed a dream in which God renewed His promise. Jacob awoke and realized he was in the awesome presence of God. “And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:17).
When God speaks to man or manifests in glory and power, He is open.