Psalm 24
Psalm 24 is a psalm of David, celebrating God’s sovereign rule over the earth and His worthiness of worship. It emphasizes God as the Creator of everything and explores the characteristics of those who can stand in His holy presence. The psalm concludes with a triumphal call for the King of glory to enter, likely reflecting the ark of the covenant being brought to Jerusalem or symbolizing God’s victorious reign.
Psalm 24:1-2 (NKJV)
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters.
The psalm begins by affirming God's ownership of the earth and everything within it, including humanity. This declaration reflects the biblical worldview that God, as Creator, has authority over all creation. The reference to founding the world on the seas and waters echoes Genesis, emphasizing God's power to bring order out of chaos.
Psalm 24:3-6 (NKJV)
3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the Lord,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face. Selah
These verses describe the moral and spiritual qualities of those who can enter God’s presence. Clean hands and a pure heart symbolize external actions and inner motives aligned with God’s will. The rejection of idolatry and deceit emphasizes a life of integrity. Those who seek God with such devotion receive His blessings and righteousness. Referring to them as "Jacob" highlights a covenant relationship with God, suggesting that this generation earnestly seeks communion with Him.
Psalm 24:7-10 (NKJV)
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory. Selah
These final verses depict a triumphant procession, possibly the ark entering Jerusalem, but also symbolizing the entrance of God’s presence. The gates and doors are metaphorically called to open wide for the King of glory. The psalm asks and answers the question, "Who is this King of glory?" affirming that it is the Lord, strong and mighty, victorious in battle. The repetition emphasizes God's majesty, and the title "Lord of hosts" conveys His supreme authority over all heavenly and earthly forces.