The King of Glory
Today, as the Underground, we come together in prayer and fasting, collectively joining our hearts in a “laser-focused” way.
FOCUS:
The King of Glory
Read Psalm 24
1 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters.
3 Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god.[a]
5 They will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God their Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, God of Jacob.[b][c]
7 Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty—
he is the King of glory.
Some deeper insights on Psalm 24
Psalm 24 was written by king David
This is a temple entry psalm. Here it is not just the worshiper who enters the temple, but Yahweh Himself. The psalmist begins with a statement of Yahweh’s supremacy over creation (vv. 1–2), then discusses the external and internal purity requirements of the worshiper (vv. 3–6). Finally, he describes the entry of Yahweh, the victorious King (vv. 7–10).
24:1 earth is Yahweh’s The psalm begins by asserting Yahweh’s rule over the earth.
24:2 on the seas Reflects the ancient Near Eastern belief that the earth was supported by pillars sunk into the sea or floated upon the sea (104:5; 1 Sam 2:8).
24:3 Who may ascend Worshipers visiting the temple likely asked this question (see 15:1 and note).
the mountain of Yahweh Refers to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem (Mount Zion), which Israelites believed was the dwelling place of Yahweh (43:3).
24:4 He who is innocent of hands and pure of heart The requirements for entering the temple are both external and internal (see 15:2 and note). The Hebrew word for “clean” (naqi) means “innocent” (10:8; Job 4:7). The term “pure” (bar) emphasizes moral purity (see Job 11:4 and note). Purity is a characteristic of God’s Law (Ps 19:8).
does not lift up his soul Along with “pure heart,” this emphasizes the internal requirements of temple entry.
falseness The Hebrew word used here, shawe, meaning “false,” often refers to idols (31:6; Jer 18:15).
does not swear deceitfully This, along with “clean hands,” emphasizes the external purity required for temple entry. See Ps 15:4 and note.
24:5 justice While the description in v. 4 seems to indicate only the perfect can enter the temple, this verse indicates the worshiper receives righteousness and salvation from Yahweh.
24:6 those who seek your face Describes true worshipers (27:8). See note on 4:6. To seek God’s face is to desire to be in His presence (see note on 11:7).
24:7 Lift up your heads The psalmists asks the doors of the temple to open for Yahweh’s entrance. This psalm was most likely used when the ark of the covenant returned from battle (see Num 10:35–36 and note).
24:8 mighty in war The psalmist portrays Yahweh, the King of glory, as a mighty warrior (Exod 15:3). Throughout the OT, biblical writers portray Yahweh going out to battle with His people (Deut 20:2–4).
24:10 Yahweh of hosts The Hebrew divine title used here, yhwh tseva’oth—which literally translates as “Yahweh of hosts” or “Yahweh of armies”—has military connotations (1 Sam 17:45). Biblical writers often used this title in connection with the ark of the covenant (1 Sam 4:4; 2 Sam 6:2), which supports the idea that Israelites used this psalm as the ark entered the temple. 1
Our Response to God’s word
Pray
Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty:
Lord, you are the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Everything belongs to you, and you alone. We acknowledge your sovereignty over all creation. Help us to remember that you are in control of every aspect of our lives.
We ask that you lift the gates of our souls that you might enter in. We don’t want to close you out.
Seeking God’s Presence:
Father, we desire to experience your presence in our lives. Cleanse our hearts and make us pure, so that we may stand in your holy presence. Fill us with your Spirit and enable us to live a life that is pleasing to you.
Reflecting on God’s Holiness:
God, you are holy and righteous. Help us to live a life that reflects your holiness. Show us any areas of our lives that need to be surrendered to you. May our thoughts, words, and actions be pleasing in your sight.
Praying for God’s Guidance:
Lord, we seek your guidance and direction in our lives. Lead us in the paths of righteousness and help us to make wise decisions. Give us discernment to recognize your voice and follow your will.
Praying for God’s Blessings:
Father, we ask for your blessings upon our lives, our families, and your work in and through the KC Underground. Pour out your favor and grace upon us. Bless our families, our work, our relationships, and every area of our lives. May we experience your goodness and mercy.
Committing to God’s Kingdom:
Lord, we commit ourselves to your kingdom. Use us for your glory and help us to be faithful stewards of the resources you have entrusted to us. Equip us to serve you and make a difference in the world around us.
1: John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ps 24:title–10.