A Devotional on Psalm 24: The King of Glory Enters In

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.” (Psalm 24:1-2, NIV)

Imagine a vast, ancient landscape, where rugged mountains pierce the heavens and rivers carve their timeless paths through the earth. The dawn breaks, casting golden light over fields teeming with life—olive groves swaying in the breeze, flocks grazing on emerald hills, and the laughter of children echoing in village squares. This is the world of Psalm 24, a song of David, penned in an era when Israel’s faith was vibrant, raw, and tethered to the awe-inspiring reality of God’s sovereignty. From a Christian perspective, this psalm is not merely a poetic reflection but a triumphant declaration of the King of Glory, who claims the earth and calls His people to worship with holy anticipation.

Picture the scene in ancient Jerusalem: the ark of the covenant, that sacred chest shimmering with gold, is being carried toward the city. The people are gathered, their voices rising in a swelling chorus, as David, the shepherd-king, leads the procession. Psalm 24 is believed to have been composed for such a moment—perhaps when the ark was brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6) or during a festival celebrating God’s reign. The psalm pulses with the energy of a people who know their God is not distant but present, mighty, and worthy of all honor.

The Earth is His
The opening verses paint a vivid picture: the earth is the Lord’s, its vast oceans and towering peaks bowing to His authority. In David’s time, the surrounding nations worshiped gods of stone and wood, tied to specific hills or rivers. But Israel’s God is different—He is the Creator, the One who spoke the seas into being and set the mountains on their foundations. For early Christians, this truth resonated deeply. They saw in Psalm 24 a foreshadowing of Christ, the Word through whom all things were made (John 1:3). The earth is His, not because He conquered it by force, but because He crafted it with love. Every blade of grass, every crashing wave, every beating heart belongs to Him.

The Call to Purity
“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?” (v. 3). Imagine a pilgrim standing at the foot of Mount Zion, gazing up at the temple where God’s presence dwells. The question hangs in the air like incense: who is worthy to approach the Holy One? The answer is sobering—only those with clean hands and pure hearts, who do not bow to idols or swear falsely. In David’s day, this was a call to integrity in a world of moral compromise. For early Christians, it pointed to Jesus, the only One whose hands were truly clean, whose heart was wholly pure. Yet, through His sacrifice, they believed they too could ascend, clothed in His righteousness (Romans 5:1-2). This is our invitation today: to live with integrity, to seek God’s grace, and to approach Him with hearts made pure by His mercy.

The King of Glory
The psalm crescendos with a vision that stirs the soul: “Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!” (v. 7). Picture the gates of Jerusalem, weathered by time, creaking open as the ark—symbolizing God’s presence—enters the city. The people shout, “Who is this King of glory?” and the answer thunders back: “The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle!” For early Christians, this was no mere historical moment but a prophetic glimpse of Christ’s triumph. He is the King of glory, who stormed the gates of death through His resurrection and will return to claim His kingdom. The ancient church fathers, like Augustine, saw in these verses the ascension of Jesus, entering the heavenly Jerusalem as the victorious Lord.

Living in the Light of His Glory
As you meditate on Psalm 24 today, let its imagery awaken your soul. See the earth as God’s masterpiece, every corner reflecting His glory. Feel the weight of the call to purity, knowing that Christ’s grace equips you to stand before Him. And hear the triumphant cry of the gates lifting high, welcoming the King who reigns over all. In a world that often feels chaotic, Psalm 24 reminds us that history is His story. The early Christians clung to this truth amid persecution, and so can we amid our trials.

Let this psalm inspire you to live boldly for the King of glory. Lift up your head, throw open the gates of your heart, and welcome Him in. For He is coming—strong, mighty, and radiant with glory—to reign forever.

Prayer
King of glory, the earth is Yours, and I am Yours. Cleanse my hands and purify my heart, that I may stand in Your presence. Lift the gates of my soul, that You may enter and reign. Fill me with awe for Your creation and hope for Your return. Amen.