02.024. Psalm 24
Probably this psalm was penned for use of the Hebrews, when David brought up the ark of God to Jerusalem, or when Solomon brought it into the temple, 2 Samuel 6:1-23, 1 Kings 8:1-66, in order to raise their hearts above their external ceremonies, to a reception of, and walking in Christ, who was thereby prefigured. Observe, (1.) Christ’s kingdom of nature, comprehending the whole world and all the inhabitants thereof, Psalms 24:1-2. (2.) His kingdom of grace in the nature of it; the gracious character of its subjects; and their charter to their everlasting happiness above, Psalms 24:3-6. (3.) Under the figure of a call to admit the ark, we have a solemn summons, issued forth by God, for the heavens to receive Jesus, our glorious and almighty King, into their blissful abodes in his ascension; and for us to receive him into our hearts and societies below, Psalms 24:7-10.
While I sing, let me be affected with the double claim the Redeemer hath on me as his creature, and as his ransomed one. Let me try whether I possess the distinguishing characters of a real saint; and whether I have received an abundance of the gift of righteousness, and of blessedness from the God of my salvation. Let me charge, let me rouse up all my inward powers, to receive Jesus Christ the Lord, as made of God unto me, wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.