Old Testament
Psalms 24
Overview
Psalm 24 is a processional hymn of the King of glory, celebrating the LORD's ownership of all creation and his entrance into his sanctuary. It begins by declaring that the earth and everything in it belongs to the LORD, then asks who may ascend his holy hill — answering that it is the one with clean hands and a pure heart. The psalm climaxes in a ringing call-and-response at the temple gates: "Lift up your heads, O gates... that the King of glory may come in."
1A Psalm by David. The earth is Yahweh’s, with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell in it.
2For he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the floods.
3Who may ascend to Yahweh’s hill? Who may stand in his holy place?
4He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully.
5He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh, righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face—even Jacob. Selah.
7Lift up your heads, you gates! Be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in.
8Who is the King of glory? Yahweh strong and mighty, Yahweh mighty in battle.
9Lift up your heads, you gates; yes, lift them up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in.
10Who is this King of glory? Yahweh of Armies is the King of glory! Selah.