Psalms 24 – The Sovereign King is coming!

Second Samuel 6:12-23 provide the background to this Psalm. The passage gives us details of how the Ark of the Covenant was moved from the house of Obed-Edom to Mount Zion. This was the occasion that led David to write this Psalm. The mood of this Psalm was jubilant and a triumphant one.  Psalm 24 is considered a Messianic Psalm and it prophetically portrays the Second Coming of Christ. It speaks of Him coming into Jerusalem after destroying the whole hosts of hostile enemies that came against Him prior to His coming. The arrival of the Ark into the City of David was liken to the Glorified Christ entering Jerusalem. It was such a grand occasion that Josephus, the Jewish historian, said that seven choirs of musicians and singers were enlisted to sing and play this Psalm, as the Ark was being moved to the City of David. In Psalm 22 we see the Compassionate Saviour; Psalm 23, the Great Shepherd; and now Psalm 24, the Coming Sovereign King. Yes, this Psalm points us to the Sovereign Christ coming to Jerusalem to set up His rule.  

This Psalm begins by declaring that God is the true owner of the earth and everything that is found in it. This earth is described as founded on the sea. David described it as if he was viewing it from an island. From there he saw the earth suspended on the sea and established on the rivers. Quickly in verses 3-6, he then lay out the qualifications for those who are eligible to have access into God’s presence. They are described as the morally upright.  A morally upright person is obvious in three areas – deeds, thoughts, and words. He has a clean hand meaning his deeds; a pure heart meaning his thought life; and who does not speak deceitfully, one who shows integrity in the words he speaks. Such a person will be richly blessed and be declared righteous by God who saves. What’s important is that he is one who fervently seeks God! Are we such a person? We must be circumspect and take care to what we think, say and do.  

Verses 7-10 is the announcement of the triumphant entry of the King of glory. We are told in the New Testament, especially in Revelation, that the King will come to the city of Jerusalem. The gates of the city will be opened to Him, the Messiah. He is the Lord of Glory, and one strong and mighty in battle. More personally, are the gates of our hearts open to Him today? Is the King enthroned in our hearts? Don’t just open it partially. Let’s ensure that our hearts are opened wide for the entrance of the King of Glory.

We know that the second coming of Christ is imminent. When He comes He will take full possession of the earth as King and Judge. Only the righteous, those who are His and made righteous by His works at Calvary, would have the privilege of entering into His kingdom. Every door of the nations will be totally opened to Him. It would certainly be a great honour and blessing to open the door of our life and home to Him even now!