Psalms 24

Psalms 24:1-10

Entering Jehovah’ s Holy Place Psalms 24:1-10 Psalms 22:1-31 tells of the cross; Psalms 23:1-6 of the crook; Psalms 24:1-10 of the crown. This great choral hymn was evidently composed to celebrate the removal of the Ark from the house of Obed-edom to Mount Zion, 2 Samuel 6:1-23. It was conducted with music and song to its resting-place, and this psalm was the marching song of the priests, 1 Chronicles 15:2-27. Psalms 24:1-2 were sung by the whole festal crowd; Psalms 24:3 by a soloist; Psalms 24:4-5 by the choir; and Psalms 24:6 by the entire congregation. What a sublime challenge on the part of the approaching host is contained in Psalms 24:7, to be answered by a company from within the gates in Psalms 24:8! To this again the vast shout of the multitude gives reply in Psalms 24:9. This magnificent ode reached its perfect accomplishment when the mighty Victor over hell and the grave arose on high and sat down at the Father’ s right hand. Oh, let the gates of your heart open wide to admit Him!

The King of glory.Psalms 22:1-31 tells of the Cross; Psalms 23:1-6 of the Crook; Psalms 24:1-10 of the Crown. This great choral hymn was evidently composed to celebrate the removal of the Ark from the house of Obed-edom to Mount Zion (2 Samuel 6:1-23). There must have been a great procession by which it was conducted, with music and song, to its resting-place (1 Chronicles 15:2-27).

This Psalm was composed for a choir. The first two verses might have been sung by the entire festal crowd; the third by a single voice; the fourth and fifth by the choir; and the sixth by all. What a sublime challenge on the part of the approaching host is contained in Psalms 24:7, answered by a company already within the gates (Psalms 24:8); to which again the vast shout of the multitudes gives reply. Surely this ode was rightly employed when used by Handel to represent the return of the ascending Saviour to his home. It never reached its perfect accomplishment till the Victor over hell and the grave arose on high.

Psalms 24:1-2 The earth is the Lord’s. These words were chosen by Albert the Good to be placed as a motto over the Royal Exchange. The earth and men are God’s by right of creation and redemption. The devil is a usurper and shall be thrust out.

Psalms 24:3-4 The Hill of the Lord. The Almighty is also the All-Holy. We are his, but we cannot approach Him unless we observe certain conditions, which He will secure in us by the power of the Holy Spirit, if we are only willing that He should.

Psalms 24:5 From Jehovah-from Elohim. What a blessing is this! (Genesis 15:6; Genesis 49:25).

Psalms 24:6 Them that seek thy face. We must evidently insert the name of God before Jacob, as the margin suggests.

Psalms 24:7 Lift up your heads!. The doors are everlasting, grey with hoar antiquity and destined to stand for ever. The connection between Psalms 15:1-5 and Psalms 24:1-10 has already been pointed out. This Psalm is accomplished in us when Jesus enters our hearts as our King to reign. It will have its full realization when the earth and its populations welcome Him as its Lord.