The King of Glory
“The Lord owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it. For he set its foundation upon the seas, and established it upon the ocean currents. Who is allowed to ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may go up to his holy dwelling place? The one whose deeds are blameless and whose motives are pure, who does not lie, or make promises with no intention of keeping them. Such godly people are rewarded by the Lord, and vindicated by the God who delivers them. Such purity characterizes the people who seek his favor, Jacob’s descendants, who pray to him. (Selah) Look up, you gates! Rise up, you eternal doors! Then the majestic king will enter! Who is this majestic king? The Lord who is strong and mighty! The Lord who is mighty in battle! Look up, you gates! Rise up, you eternal doors! Then the majestic king will enter! Who is this majestic king? The Lord who commands armies! He is the majestic king! (Selah)”
— Psalms 24:1-10
Subscript says David wrote it. I don’t know how well-attested it is, but I have no reason to doubt it at this point.
Three sections to the Psalm. First praises the LORD for acts of creation. He is supreme, reigning over all things. He owns the world and all its inhabitants. This dives into creation debate. I don’t have the list of all creation texts in front of me, but this is definitely one of them. Always interesting to see things like “established earth on the seas?” “Set foundation on waters” Some may argue for Gen 1 where there was water beneath and above firmament, but that can’t be both the oceans and some random waters out in space, as well as setting earth on literal waters. Much better to see these passages from ancient cosmogony.
The question then becomes which passage is “normative,” and why did we select that one? Which one helps us understand all the others? And when we are done debating that and don’t end up anywhere, it’s probably best to reevaluate our entire thesis.
There are also elements here of God combatting the sea, establishing His reign over it, which aligns with other ancient theologies. Not that He takes the place of other gods in those myths, but He is over the waters, distinct from them, and far superior to any other god.
Part 2 of the Psalm. Who is allowed to ascend to the mountain? Most likely Zion/Jerusalem, as in the temple. So maybe this isn’t David, since the temple wasn’t built, yet. Deeds are blameless/motives are pure. Actions can have terrible motives. True worshipper from Israel will have pure heart and actions.
Always remember this is poetry/wisdom literature, so the promise of vindication and reward is general. This may even be written/edited during time of oppression. May be sparking Israel back into obedience. Especially since Jacob’s descendants rarely were “characterized by purity” or “sought him”, this Psalm may be projecting better deeds/motives onto the people so they grow into maturity in the future.
Part 3 of Psalm: Look up gates/doors. Again, this could be finding hope in middle of pain/oppression. Obviously, personification.
The king of glory/majesty will enter. He is the LORD of hosts/armies. He is a majestic king. He owns the world. He owns all the inhabitants. And He will come to rescue Israel, but their fellowship with Him is dependent on their obedience.
We, too, serve this majestic King. He also seeks true worshippers with pure hearts and deeds. Look up. Hope is kindled as He reigns.
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