Psalms 24

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 24

A psalm of David celebrating God as the King of glory who enters through the gates. It may have been written when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem.

Scripture

The Earth Belongs to God

Study note

David declares that the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord because he created it and set it firmly on the waters.

1 Everything on earth belongs to the Lord — the whole world and every person who lives in it. The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

2 He is the one who set it firmly on the seas and anchored it on top of the waters. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

Who May Enter God's Presence?

Study note

The question is asked: Who may climb God's holy hill? The answer: only those with clean hands, a pure heart, and honest lips.

3 Who is allowed to go up the Lord's mountain? Who has the right to stand in his sanctuary? Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4 Only the person whose hands are clean from sin and whose heart is pure. It is someone who has never chased after an idol or lied under oath. He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

5 A person like that will receive blessings poured out from the Lord and be declared right by the God who saves. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 This describes people who go looking for God — people who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

The King of Glory Enters

Study note

The gates are called to open wide for the King of glory to come in. When asked who this King is, the answer rings out: the Lord, strong and mighty in battle — the Lord of heavenly armies.

7 Swing wide, you gates! Open up, you ancient doors, and let the King of glory walk right in! Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

8 Who is this King of glory? He is the Lord — powerful and mighty, the Lord who is unstoppable in battle. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

9 Swing wide, you gates! Open up, you ancient doors, and let the King of glory walk right in! Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord who commands heaven's armies — he is the King of glory. Selah. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 24

The earth belongs to the LordPurity required to approach GodThe King of glory entersThe triumphant procession of God

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 24

This psalm asks: 'Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?' The answer points to clean hands and a pure heart. But take heart — through Christ, we are made clean and invited into God's presence. The gates are open for you because the King of glory has already entered on your behalf.

Go Deeper

Study Psalms in Covenant Path

Read every chapter with study aids, bookmarks, and daily reading plans — free in the app.

Download for iOS Download for Android

← Psalms 24 →