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Psalms 24

10 verses

TL;DR

Psalm 24 declares the earth’s sovereignty under God and invites the pure-hearted to worship the King of Glory.

Summary

Psalm 24 opens by proclaiming that the earth and all that dwells upon it belong to the Lord, emphasizing His sovereignty over creation. The psalmist then poses a rhetorical question about who can approach God’s holy place, answering that only those with clean hands and a pure heart—free from deceit and vanity—can. Those who seek God’s face will receive blessing and righteousness. The psalm shifts to a call to the gates and doors, urging them to lift up in anticipation of the coming King of Glory. The King is described as the LORD, strong and mighty, the mighty in battle and the Lord of hosts, affirming His supreme authority and divine glory. The psalm closes with a repeated affirmation of God’s royal power and an invitation to worship.

Outline
  1. The earth belongs to the LORD, asserting His sovereignty
  2. Criteria for those who may enter God’s holy presence
  3. The arrival of the King of Glory and the call to worship
Themes
God’s sovereignty over creationThe holiness and purity required to approach GodThe messianic anticipation of the King of Glory
Keywords
earthLORDKing of Gloryclean handspure heartblessingrighteousness
People
LORDJacob
Places
earthworldhill of the LORDholy placegateseverlasting doors
Things
clean handspure heartblessingrighteousnessKing of Glorygatesdoorseverlasting doors
Key Verses
  • Psalms 24:1: Introduces the central claim that all creation belongs to God.
  • Psalms 24:3: Sets the moral standard for those who may approach God’s presence.
  • Psalms 24:7: Reveals the identity of the King of Glory, affirming God’s sovereign rule.
Questions
  • What does the psalm say is required for one to stand in God’s holy place?
  • How is the King of Glory described, and what does that reveal about God’s nature?
  • In what ways does Psalm 24 invite believers to participate in worship of God’s sovereign power?
Sentiment

positive
The psalm expresses hope, reverence, and celebratory worship of God’s sovereignty and coming King.