Psalms 24:1-10
1 The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob.a Selah.
7 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? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 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 of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
This is the final psalm of the three, and as in Psa 22:1-31 the words so far exceed the possibility of exhaustion by any circumstances originating them as to create an opinion unanimously in favor of their Messianic application. In this song the Saviour who through suffering triumphed, the Shepherd; who through pilgrimage leads His own, is seen ascending to the place of power and authority.
The first movement recognizes the sovereignty of Jehovah over the created world and its inhabitants (verses Psa 24:1-2). There is, then, a question which recognizes a need. The hill of the Lord which is the place of authority (see Psa 2:6) is vacant, and it is asked, “Who shall ascend into it?” The answer declares the need for purity of conduct and character. Suddenly the antiphonal chanting of angels breaks forth. Some are accompanying the King as He approaches the place of power. Others wait, guarding the entrance. The first company claims entrance for Him. The second assembly challenges His right. The answer tells of might inherent and of victory in battle, and through the lifted portals we see Him pass and know Him for “Jehovah of hosts.” By our calendars, yesterday He passed through Psalms 22:1. Today He is exercising the office of Psalms 23:1. Tomorrow, He will exercise finally the authority of Psalms 24:1.