Every verse here opens — tap a number for what that one means.
1The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Commentary
Psalm 24, explained
What Psalm 24 is saying
Psalm 24 is a processional liturgy combining creation theology, entrance requirements, and a dramatic antiphonal sequence welcoming the 'King of Glory' through the temple gates. The opening declaration of universal divine ownership ('The earth is the LORD's') establishes the theological foundation for the entrance requirements that follow. The climactic call—'Lift up your heads, O gates!'—personifies the ancient doors as witnesses to YHWH's arrival.
The background behind it
Traditionally associated with David's procession bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6), the psalm may have been ritually reenacted in subsequent temple worship. The antiphonal structure suggests two choirs or a choir-and-gatekeeper dialogue.
Themes running underneath
The psalm integrates cosmology (God as Creator), ethics (clean hands and pure heart as access requirements), and theophany (God as warrior-King entering His sanctuary). The identity question 'Who is this King of Glory?' creates dramatic tension resolved only by the divine name: 'The LORD of Hosts.'
Why it still matters
Psalm 24 challenges the compartmentalization of worship: the God who owns everything demands clean hands in everyday life, and the gates of human hearts must be lifted to receive Him. It connects cosmic sovereignty to personal holiness.
Scripture text: King James Version — public domain.