Psalms 24

Psalm 24 declares the LORD's universal ownership and creation of the earth and all its inhabitants. It then poses the question of who is worthy to ascend His holy hill, answering that only those with clean hands, pure hearts, and integrity may approach. The psalm concludes with a majestic call for ancient gates to open, welcoming the "King of glory," identified as the LORD strong and mighty, the LORD of hosts.

Psalm 24 opens by asserting the LORD's absolute sovereignty over the entire earth and all its fullness, emphasizing His foundational act of creation upon the seas. It then transitions to a profound inquiry: "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?" The answer specifies those with "clean hands, and a pure heart," who have not engaged in vanity or deceit, promising them blessing and righteousness from God. The latter part of the psalm presents a dramatic, processional scene, commanding ancient gates and everlasting doors to lift up their heads. This command is for the entrance of the "King of glory," whose identity is affirmed as "the LORD strong and mighty" and "the LORD of hosts," highlighting His power and dominion.

Psalm 24 commences with a foundational declaration of God's universal dominion, stating that "The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." This sovereignty is rooted in His act of creation, as He "hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods," thereby establishing His absolute ownership and authority over all creation. The psalm then transitions into a crucial spiritual inquiry, asking, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?" This question probes the qualifications necessary for intimate communion and presence before God. The answer provided is deeply ethical and spiritual: only those "that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully" are deemed worthy. These individuals are promised to "receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation," identifying them as the true generation that seeks God's face. The latter half of the psalm shifts dramatically, adopting a majestic, processional tone. It issues a powerful command to "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in." This command is punctuated by a rhetorical question, "Who is this King of glory?", which is answered with resounding affirmations: "The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." The command and question are repeated, culminating in the declaration that "The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory," underscoring His supreme power, military might, and ultimate authority.