Bible Commentaries
Psalms 24

Verses 1-10

Psalms 24

THE KING OF GLORY

Verses 1-10:

Theme

The primary theme of this Psalm is David’s bringing the Holy Ark of the covenant up to Zion, as also recounted 2 Samuel 6:1-15. This is one of the oldest Psalms that was sung at the outer entrance to the Temple. It extols Jehovah God as the absolute owner of the world and all that is in it, as is also set forth is Psalms 15. Zion’s ancient doors or entrance symbolize or are considered to be typical of the everlasting doors of heaven.

Verses 1, 2 affirm God’s absolute ownership of the world, deduced from or based on His creation of it, Genesis 4:1; John 1:1-3. The fulness of the earth and all who dwell, or tabernacle for a temporary time on the earth, belong to God: 1) by right of creation, and 2) by right of His daily sustaining all, Ezekiel 18:4; Acts 17:28; La 3:22. See also Deuteronomy 10:14; 1 Chronicles 29:11; Job 41:11; Psalms 50:12; 1 Corinthians 10:26.

Verse 3 inquires "who shall or may ascend into the hill of the Lord, or stand in the holy place?" Who may dare stand before the ark, where the shekinah glory of the Lord appeared? Who may be able to stand (Heb quoom means rise up) before the Holy God? Surely none upon the whole earth, except he have a mediator, an intercessor, 1 Timothy 2:5; Acts 4:12. Jesus only is qualified to stand in heaven before the throne, with His own blood to intercede for men, Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24; 1 John 2:2. The ungodly shall bow before Him at the judgment, Psalms 1:5; Romans 12:11-12; Revelation 20:11-15.

Verse 4 answers the inquiry "who?" asserting that only such as have, hold, or possess, clean hands and a pure heart, one that is purified by faith in Jesus Christ and His blood, Matthew 5:8; Acts 15:9; Romans 3:24-25; 1 John 3:3. He does not haughtily lift up himself in vanity.

Verse 5 adds that the one with a pure heart, who shall see God, and stand before Him with clean hands, to serve unashamed, without any pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy shall receive "the blessing from the Lord," and "righteousness from the God of his salvation." He shall bestow on this saved, righteous servant a "crown of righteousness," at that day, as described, pledged 2 Timothy 2:8; Revelation 22:11.

Verse 6 declares that "this is (exists as) the (kind of) generation that seek Him who in turn seeks the face, good will and obedience of Jacob, His covenant people, Isaiah 29:22. Those who wrestle with God until they prevail, as Jacob did, are accounted His people, Genesis 32:30; Hosea 12:4. To seek God’s face is the way of holiness, Romans 2:28-29.

Verses 7, 8 address the gates, entrance of Zion, toward the holy place, to lift up their heads, or the people who stood to enter the gates were to lift up their heads, and let the everlasting doors or entrance stay lifted up. For it was there the Eternal King of Glory appeared before the ark and between the angels of the mercy seat. It is asked who is the King of Glory? Then answered in refrain, "The Lord strong and mighty, powerful in battle." Men are called upon to look to the Messiah-Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, to find salvation and power for holy living, Isaiah 45:22. And to be able to stand before God, always available for service, Acts 9:5-6; Romans 2:1-2.

Verses 9, 10 conclude this "King of Glory" Psalm with a refrain for the heads of all before the gates of Zion, the temple, of the entrance of the Holy place, to be lifted up as everlasting doors or entrance. It was the Holy God, above and beyond the gates and doors of the earthly sanctuary, to which all Israel was called to look and trust, not in the sanctuary itself, see? He is the one who stands and knocks at the heart’s door of men and of His church, desiring to enter and commune with men, but never forcing entrance to the unsaved or to His children, Revelation 3:20. The Lord of hosts, of the Redeemed, and hosts of Gabriel and Michael’s angel bands, calls men to grant Him Holy entrance into their lives. What an honor above that of Kings and Presidents, Psalms 50:1-5; Acts 1:9-11.