Psalm 24

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24

There is no reason to doubt that the title of this psalm, which ascribes it to David, is correct. A portion of the psalm Psalms 24:3-6 has a strong resemblance to Psalms 15:1-5, and doubtless was composed by the same author.The occasion on which the psalm was composed is not designated; but from its contents it was evidently on some public occasion of great solemnity; probably on the removal of the ark of the covenant into its appointed place in Jerusalem, where it was to abide permanently; a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:1

The earth is the Lord’s - The whole world belongs to God. He is the Creator of the earth, and therefore, its Proprietor; or, in other words, “the property vests in him.” It belongs to Him in a sense somewhat similar to our right of property in anything that is the production of our hands, or of our labor or skill. We claim that as our own. We feel that we have a right to use it, or to dispose of it, as we choose. No other person has a right to take it from us, or to dictate to us how we shall... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:2

For he hath founded it upon the seas - That is, the earth, or the habitable world. The ground of the claim to the earth and all that it contains, which is here asserted, is the fact that God had created it, or “founded” it. The language used here - “he hath founded it,” that is, he has laid the foundation of it, “upon the seas” and “the floods” - is in accordance with the usual mode of speaking of the earth in the Scriptures as laid upon a foundation - as a house is raised on a firm foundation.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:3

Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? - Mount Zion; called the hill of the Lord, because it was the place designated for His worship, or the place of His abode. See the notes at Psalms 15:1. The idea here is, “Who shall ascend there with a view of abiding there? Who is worthy to dwell there?” The question is equivalent to asking, What constitutes true religion? What is required for the acceptable worship of God? What will prepare a person for heaven?Or who shall stand in his holy place? -... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:4

He that hath clean hands - In the parallel passage in Psalms 15:2, the answer to the question is, “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness.” The sentiment is substantially the same there as in the passage before us. The meaning is, that he who would be recognized as a friend and worshipper of Yahweh must be an upright man; a person not living in the practice of iniquity, but striving always to do that which is right. The “hands” are the instruments by which we accomplish anything;... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:5

He shall receive the blessing from the Lord - literally, “He shall bear away a blessing from Yahweh.” The blessing here referred to means His favor and friendship. He shall be recognized and treated as His. In other words, God bestows His favor on those who possess the character here referred to.And righteousness from the God of his salvation - He shall be regarded and treated as righteous. Or, he shall obtain the divine approval as a righteous person. The idea of the psalmist would seem to be,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:6

This is the generation of them that seek him - This describes the race of those who seek Him; or, this is their character. The word “generation” here is used evidently in the sense of “race, people, or persons.” This is the character or description of the “persons” who seek His favor; or, this is the character of His true friends. The phrase “to seek God” is often used as descriptive of true piety: Psalms 9:10; Psalms 14:2; Psalms 63:1; Proverbs 8:17; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 7:7. It indicates an... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:7

Lift up your heads, O ye gates - Either the gates of the city, or of the house erected for the worship of God; most probably, as has been remarked, the former. This may be supposed to have been uttered as the procession approached the city where the ark was to abide, as a summons to admit the King of glory to a permanent residence there. It would seem not improbable that the gates of the city were originally made in the form of a portcullis, as the gates of the old castles in the feudal ages... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:8

Who is this King of glory? - This is probably the response of a portion of the choir of singers. The answer is found in the other part of the verse.The Lord strong and mighty - Yahweh, strong and mighty - describing Him by His most exalted attributes as a God of power. This is in accordance with the idea in Psalms 24:1-2, where He is represented as the Creator and the Proprietor of all the earth. Perhaps, also, there is an allusion to the fact that He is mighty, as distinguished from idols... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:9

Lift up your heads ... - The repetition here is designed to give force and emphasis to what is uttered. The response in Psalms 24:5 is slightly varied from the response in Psalms 24:8; but the same general sentiment is expressed. The design is to announce in a solemn manner that the symbol of the divine presence and majesty was about to be introduced into the place of its permanent abode, and that this was an event worthy to be celebrated; that even the gates of the city should voluntarily open... read more

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:1

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:7

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:9

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