Psalm 24 | Four Vital Questions

Psalm 24 was a Psalm written probably as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem and into the tabernacle that was prepared for it. This Ark represented the presence of God. David, in writing this song answers four important questions.

WHO OWNS EVERYTHING?

God is not the overseer of something that someone else created. Who made the earth? Who made the people who dwell on it? There is one answer: God. He made everything and therefore He owns everything.

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains,

The world, and those who dwell in it.

2 For He has founded it upon the seas

And established it upon the rivers.

WHO CAN COME INTO HIS PRESENCE?

We cannot waltz into His presence unprepared and uninvited. David gives four requirements for entry.

3 Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?

And who may stand in His holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood

And has not sworn deceitfully.

No one can claim such worthiness to enter. But for those who have trusted in Christ as their Savior and Mediator, we enter on the basis of His life that was given in payment for our sins. His sacrifice cleansed us. Paul would later say how this has occurred.

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with (literally “facing”) God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

We are now able to “ascend unto the hill of the Lord” because we have been made pure through Christ. We come trusting in His sufficiency.

WHO IS BLESSED?

Once entering in before God, who receives a blessing from Him? It is the ones who pursue Him in holiness and faith. It is those who seek, not only His gifts, but His face.

5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord

And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 This is the generation of those who seek Him,

Who seek Your face—even Jacob.

WHO IS COMING?

God will come to a life, a family, a church, even a nation that invites Him. And, He is all victorious--strong and mighty! The Lord is on His throne now, but He is coming again to fully establish His new kingdom, and then “every knee will bow and tongue confess … that He is Lord! We must look for Him and anticipate His coming!

8 Who is the King of glory?

The Lord strong and mighty,

The Lord mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, O gates,

And lift them up, O ancient doors,

That the King of glory may come in!

10 Who is this King of glory?

The Lord of hosts,

He is the King of glory.

Father, I acknowledge that You are the Creator of heaven and earth. You wove me together in my mother’s womb. My life and surrender belong to You and I gladly bow before You. Thank You that I can enter Your presence, made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Your Son. Lord, I seek Your face and Your presence … and I lift my head to look for Your presence now and Your soon return in fullness to this world You have created.