The human yearning for closeness to God and the supreme joy that comes from His presence form the very heart of spiritual devotion. An extraordinary privilege is reserved for those allowed to enter the sacred space and experience the profound physical and spiritual abundance that flows from it. True happiness belongs to the one God selects and brings near [אבן עזרא].
The identity of these chosen individuals is understood in a few different ways. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the entire nation of Israel. In particular, it points to those who will merit ultimate salvation, returning from exile to dwell in God's courtyards [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מאירי]. Looking at it from a more personal perspective, human beings naturally struggle to overcome their negative inclinations without divine assistance. Therefore, a truly happy person is one whom God helps and draws close, enabling them to serve the Creator consistently throughout their life [מלבי״ם]. Alternatively, the chosen individual is a specific figure, the High Priest. As he dwells and serves in the Temple, his work channels abundance and holiness to the rest of the nation [חומת אנך].
Drawing close to God is a gradual ascent, moving progressively from the outside to the inside. The journey begins at the courtyard, which serves as the entry point. It continues into the house, and finally reaches the sanctuary, the innermost and most sacred space known as the Holy of Holies [מלבי״ם, מאירי]. This progression symbolizes a spiritual path where no doors are locked to those who genuinely seek to draw near, representing ever higher levels of spiritual understanding [מאירי].
The focus then shifts from describing these fortunate individuals to a hopeful prayer from the entire congregation, asking to also be included among those drawn close and satisfied with abundance [שטיינזלץ]. This deep satisfaction is the soul's pure pleasure in serving God, radiating from the Divine Presence and the glory that rests in that holy place [רש״י, אבן עזרא]. The abundance they pray for has a dual nature. The goodness of the house represents material blessings and physical prosperity, such as rain falling at the right time. In contrast, the holiness of the sanctuary represents a spiritual wealth that allows a person to become holy and remain dedicated to serving God [מלבי״ם]. This profound holiness describes the innermost sacred space of the sanctuary itself [מאירי], though it is also understood to refer directly to God, the Holy One who dwells within it [אבן עזרא].