Psalm 24

"Psalm 24" from the album, Glory, is a direct setting of Psalm 24, declaring God's rightful rule over the world, calling for holiness from His people, and welcoming the King of Glory into our midst. It begins with awe at God's authority, moves through the question of worthiness, and ends with a climactic call to open the gates for God's glorious reign. When sung, it is both a call to reverence and a prophetic anthem of Christ’s return in glory.

Lyrics

Verse 1
The earth is Adonai’s, with all that is in it,
the world and those who live there;
for he set its foundations on the seas
and established it on the rivers.

Bridge
Who may go up to the mountain of Adonai?
Who can stand in his holy place?
Those with clean hands and pure hearts,
who don’t make vanities the purpose of their lives
or swear oaths just to deceive.

Verse 2
They will receive a blessing from Adonai
and justice from God, who saves them.
Such is the character of those who seek him,
of Ya‘akov, who seeks your face.

Chorus
Lift up your heads, you gates!
Lift them up, everlasting doors,
so that the glorious king can enter!
Who is he, this glorious king?
Adonai, strong and mighty,
Adonai, mighty in battle.
 

Lift up your heads, you gates!
Lift them up, everlasting doors,
so that the glorious king can enter!
Who is he, this glorious king?
Adonai-Tzva’ot —
he is the glorious king.

Final chorus
Lift up your heads, you gates!
Lift them up, everlasting doors,
so that the glorious king can enter!
Who is he, this glorious king?
Adonai, strong and mighty,
Adonai, mighty in battle.
 

Lift up your heads, you gates!
Lift them up, everlasting doors,
so that the glorious king can enter!
Who is he, this glorious king?
Adonai-Tzva’ot —
he is the glorious king.
he is the glorious king.

Devotional – Psalm 24: The King of Glory Enters In

Psalm 24 is a procession psalm—a song of ascent as the ark of the covenant was brought into Jerusalem, likely sung as the people welcomed God's presence among them. It begins by proclaiming God's ownership of all creation: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” This foundational truth—God as Creator and King—sets the stage for everything that follows.

The psalm then asks a searching question: “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?” The answer isn’t rooted in privilege or status, but in purity and truth—clean hands and a pure heart. God’s glory cannot be approached lightly; holiness precedes communion.

Finally, the psalm crescendos into a glorious exchange between gatekeepers and the people: “Lift up your heads, O gates… that the King of glory may come in!” This is a triumphant welcome of God's manifest presence—radiant, holy, and victorious.

For the Christian, Psalm 24 reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and better King of Glory. He is the one who ascended the hill not only in righteousness but in sacrificial love. He cleanses the hearts and hands of those who trust in Him, and by His Spirit, makes us fit to welcome God's presence.

To sing this psalm is to declare God’s dominion, His holiness, and our longing to see the King of Glory enter not just the gates of a city—but the gates of our own lives and world.

Key Themes in Psalm 24

1. God’s Ownership of All Creation
   “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.”
   – God’s glory is rooted in His being Creator and Sustainer of everything.
2. Holiness and Righteousness
   – True worship requires clean hands, a pure heart, and truth in the inward being.
   – God’s glory is not only awe-inspiring but purifying.
3. Seeking God’s Face
   – Those who seek Him receive blessing, vindication, and communion with Him.
4. The King of Glory
   – God is mighty in battle, victorious, and worthy of the gates being opened.
   – For Christians, this points to Christ as the ascended and returning King.
5. Worship and Welcome
   – The psalm is liturgical in nature—a holy procession.
   – Singing it becomes an act of opening our hearts, communities, and churches to the presence of the living God.