Psalm 24, Who is this King of Glory!

Of David. A psalm.

Psalm 24: 1-2, YHWH rules all earth

The earth is the LORD's, 

and everything in it, 

the world, and all who live in it; 

for he founded it upon the seas 

and established it upon the waters.

In the first lines of this song, it is clear that this God of David is the Creator, creator of all the world and everything in it.  The establishment of the land on the seas is reminiscent of Genesis 1:9.

This psalm is a simple song of worship.  One might view this as a coronation psalm for the King of Heaven!  It is a psalm of praise, at times exuberant and ecstatic, similar to Psalms 8 and 18.

Psalm 24: 3-6, Who can approach the king

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? 

Who may stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, 

who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.  

He will receive blessing from the LORD 

and vindication from God his Savior.

Such is the generation of those who seek him, 

who seek your face, O God of Jacob. 

Selah.

This song is antiphonal. There are questions followed by responses.  "Who may ascend...?" is answered in the next stanza.

A major attribute of God is Righteousness and for this attribute God is praised.  So which mortals may "stand" with God?  Only one who follows God's model and has "clean hands and a pure heart". Standing in God's presence,  says Kidner, is an aspect of worship.

Note the Old Testament concern about idols.  The concept of "clean hands" is also a concept of justice, of doing right actions with one's fellow human beings.

Psalm 24: 7-10, The King of Glory approaches!

Lift up your heads, O you gates; 

be lifted up, you ancient doors, 

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory? 

The LORD strong and mighty,

the LORD mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O you gates; 

lift them up, you ancient doors, 

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is he, this King of glory? 

The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory.

Selah.

Even the gates and doors of the King's palace should exalt in the King's presence!  (Why is this instruction addressed to the doors and gates?  Are the doors the first to see God's presence?)

The psalm first focuses on God and his power, beauty, as expressed in creation.  Then there is a transition – which humans are allowed to enjoy God’s presence and beauty?  Only those with a pure heart – who meet God’s standards (whose desire is really for God and not some substitute.)

The psalm ends in am antiphonal chorus – a praise chorus preparing for the entrance of the king of glory.  The praise chorus has been an inspiration, over the centuries, for a number of Christian hymns.  (Here is one by Third Day.)