Psalms 24 (KJV)
Read Psalms chapter 24 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Psalm 24 KJV — Quick Answers
- What does Psalm 24 mean?
- Psalm 24 declares God's universal ownership of the earth (vv.1-2), names the kind of person who can stand in His presence (vv.3-6), and ends with a triumphant liturgy welcoming the King of glory through the temple gates (vv.7-10). It is a coronation psalm — a procession-song for the LORD strong and mighty.
- Who wrote Psalm 24 and when?
- The KJV ascribes it to David. Jewish tradition links it to the day David brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6) — the city gates literally lifting their heads to receive God's throne. It became part of Israel's regular temple worship.
- What does "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof" mean?
- Everything that exists belongs to God by right of creation — land, sea, people, resources, your possessions, your time. Paul quotes the verse twice in 1 Corinthians 10 to settle a Christian liberty question. It is the foundation of biblical stewardship: nothing is ultimately yours.
- Who can ascend "into the hill of the Lord"?
- Verse 4 names four marks: clean hands (right outward conduct), a pure heart (right inward motive), one who has not lifted his soul to vanity (no idolatry), and not sworn deceitfully (truthful speech). The standard is impossibly high — which is why the New Testament points us to Christ, who alone fulfills it on our behalf.
- What does "Lift up your heads, O ye gates" mean?
- It is a poetic summons to the city gates — and to your own heart — to rise and let the King of glory come in. Verses 7-10 alternate between the cry to open and the question 'Who is this King of glory?' The answer rolls back twice: 'The LORD strong and mighty… The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.'
Psalms 24
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Psalms 24 Summary
Psalm 24 is a majestic processional psalm celebrating God as Creator and King. The psalm opens by declaring God's ownership of the entire earth, then poses the question of who is worthy to approach His presence, answering with requirements of moral purity and sincerity.
The psalm climaxes with a dramatic call for the gates to open for the King of Glory to enter. Traditionally associated with David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, this psalm has been cherished in worship for its powerful vision of God's sovereign majesty.
Key Themes
God as Creator and OwnerHoliness required for worshipThe King of GloryProcessional worshipClean hands and pure hearts
Key Verses in Psalms 24
"The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
— Psalms 24:1
A foundational declaration of God's universal ownership that shapes how we understand stewardship and worship.
"Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart."
— Psalms 24:3-4
Establishes that genuine worship requires both outward integrity (clean hands) and inward purity (pure heart).
Life Application
Since everything belongs to God, our worship and our daily lives should reflect His ownership. The call for clean hands and a pure heart reminds us that approaching God requires integrity — not perfection, but sincerity and a heart oriented toward holiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Psalm 24 written?
Traditionally attributed to David, it may have been composed for the procession bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, as described in 2 Samuel 6.
Who is the King of Glory in Psalm 24?
The King of Glory is the LORD strong and mighty, the LORD of hosts — the God of Israel who is both warrior and sovereign ruler over all creation.
Psalm 24 Commentary & Reflection
Royal
Triumphant, reverent
Best read for: Sunday worship, church services
Overview of Psalm 24: The King of Glory
Psalm 24 is a triumphant processional hymn declaring that the earth belongs to the Lord. It asks who may ascend God's holy hill and answers: those with clean hands and pure hearts. The psalm builds to a dramatic climax with gates lifting their heads to welcome the King of Glory — the Lord strong and mighty in battle.
Key Themes
Holiness
Worship
God's Sovereignty
Purity
Key Verses to Remember
“The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”— Psalm 24:1 (KJV)
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.”— Psalm 24:7 (KJV)
Reflection
This psalm asks the most important question for approaching God: are your hands clean and your heart pure? It's not about perfection but about integrity and surrender before the King of Glory.
Historical Context
Tradition holds this psalm was composed for the processional carrying the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). The dramatic call-and-response—'Lift up your heads, O ye gates!'—imagines the city gates themselves needing to expand to receive the King of Glory. This became a beloved Advent text in Christian worship, celebrating Christ's entry into the world.
How to Apply Psalm 24 Today
What 'gates' in your life need to be lifted to welcome the King of Glory? Perhaps pride, unforgiveness, or self-reliance block His full entrance. Open every room of your heart—not just the tidy public spaces, but the cluttered closets and locked basements. The Lord of hosts wants access to all of you.
A Prayer from Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof. Who shall ascend into Your hill? He who has clean hands and a pure heart. Lift up your heads, O you gates, and be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty—the Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory. Amen.
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