Bible Commentaries
Psalms 24

Verse 1

Title. A Psalm. See App-65 .

of David = concerning David and the true David. Relates to the entrance of the Ark into Zion (see App-68 ), typifying the coming glory of Hebrews 1:6 . Compare 2 Samuel 6:2 . 1 Chronicles 15:25 .Psalms 68:0 relates to the setting out of the procession. Psalms 24:0 to the entrance up to Zion. Psalms 87:0 to the joy of the entrance with dancings and shouting?. Psalms 105:0 , for subsequent celebrations of the event.

The earth. Hebrew 'erez, the earth (as created).

the LOBD'S. Hebrew Jehovah's. App-4 . The emphasis is on Jehovah = "Jehovah's is the earth".

the fulness = all that fills it. Quoted in 1 Corinthians 10:26 .

world. Hebrew. tebel, the world (as inhabited).

Verse 2

founded, &c. Compare 2 Peter 3:5 .Psalms 136:6 . Genesis 1:1 .

Verse 3

the hill = the mountain (of Zion, south of Moriah). Seven times so called: here, and Genesis 22:14 .Numbers 10:33 .Isaiah 2:3 ; Isaiah 30:29 . Micah 4:2 .Zechariah 8:3 . See App-68 .

Or. The Authorized Version, 1611, read "And". Changed in 1769 to Greek.

stand = rise up. Compare Psalms 1:5 .

holy. See note on Exodus 3:5 .

Verse 4

clean. Compare Psalms 15:0 and Exodus 20:13-16 .

soul. Hebrew nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 5

And = Even.

righteousness. The gift received from Jehovah.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

Verse 6

This = Such: i.e. not a "new cart" (2 Samuel 6:3 ), but the Kohathites. See Numbers 7:9 ; Numbers 4:2 , Numbers 4:15 .Deuteronomy 10:8 ; Deuteronomy 31:9 , &c; and compare 2 Samuel 6:13 . 1 Chronicles 15:2 .

generation = class or circle. Here, the Kohathites. Compare Psalms 22:30 .

O Jacob. Septuagint and Syriac read "O God of Jacob".

Jacob. See notes on Genesis 32:28 ; Genesis 43:6 ; Genesis 45:26 , Genesis 45:28 .

Selah. Connecting the first triad with the Ark of Jehovah: transferring our thoughts from the general claim to the particular making of the claim by this event. See note on Psalms 24:10 , and App-66 .

Verse 7

everlasting doors = age-abiding entrances. The tabernacle (or tent) of David, on Mount Zion, was not ancient. This looks forward to the fulfilment of prophecy in times yet to come.

King of glory = Glorious king. The repeated question points us both to Psalms 22:6 ("a worm, and no man") and to Psalms 23:1 (The Shepherd).

Verse 10

Who = Who then, is He, this glorious King?

The LORD of hosts . See note on first occurrence (1 Samuel 1:3 ) and Structure above.

Selah. Connecting Psalms 25:0 with Psalms 24:0 .Psalms 24:0 referring to Zion, the new place of worship, and Psalms 25:0 referring to the worship itself, which was to be and could henceforward be offered there. Psalms 24:0 corresponds with 1 Chronicles 15:0 , and Psalms 25:0 with 1 Chronicles 16:0 , which together give a full description of the worship. Psalms 25:0 is further emphasised by being an Acrostic Psalm, in which the worthiness of Jehovah and the unworthiness of His worshippers stand out in vivid contrast.