Psalms 24 - Introduction

A.M. 2987. B.C. 1017.

This Psalm is generally thought to have been composed by David, upon that solemn occasion of bringing the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom, into the tabernacle which David had built for it, 2 Samuel 6. Wherein he hath a further prospect to the temple, which he earnestly desired and intended to build. Moreover because the tabernacle, and temple, and ark, were manifest types of Christ, and of his church, and of the place and state of heavenly glory, David extended his thoughts to them also; or, at least, the Holy Ghost designed to comprehend them under these typical expressions. Bishop Lowth, in his twenty-seventh lecture, has beautifully delineated the plan of this Psalm. The ark of God is supposed to be moving in a grand and solemn procession of the whole Israelitish nation toward the place of its future residence on mount Sion. See 1 Chronicles 15. On ascending the mountain the Psalm is sung, declaring, Psalms 24:1; Psalms 24:2, The sovereignty of Jehovah over all the earth; describing, Psalms 24:3, What the character ought to be of that people whom he had more peculiarly selected to serve him in the house where his glory was to dwell; and of which, Psalms 24:7, it was now about to take possession. All this is by us to be applied to the Christian Church, and the ascension of our Lord into heaven; for which reason this Psalm is one of those appointed to be used on Ascension Day.