Psalms

Psalms 24: The LORD the King of glory

Begin in prayer

Before we ask who may stand before the King of glory, let us remember that the whole earth belongs to Him. Pray for pure hearts and faith in Jesus, whose righteousness brings sinners near.

At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him who lives forever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation.

Daniel 4:34

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that the King of glory is holy and gives righteousness to those who seek Him. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David begins by declaring that the earth and everyone in it belong to the LORD who founded it. He then asks who may ascend God's hill and stand in His holy place. The answer requires clean hands, a pure heart, freedom from falsehood and truthful oaths. Those who seek God's face receive blessing and righteousness from the God of their salvation. The closing call summons the gates to lift their heads for the King of glory, the LORD strong and mighty in battle.

As you read Psalms 24, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD owns the whole earth, receives pure worshippers, and reigns as the mighty King of glory.

The LORD's ownership begins with creation, so His rule reaches every person and everything the earth contains. His holy hill names the place where worshippers come into His presence, making the question of approach urgent. Clean hands concern outward conduct, while a pure heart reaches the motives hidden from human sight. Falsehood and deceitful oaths cannot be carried into acceptable worship before Him. The blessing and righteousness are received from the God of salvation, so holiness never becomes a wage that purchases His favour. Those described are people who seek His face and depend on Him for the standing He gives. The repeated challenge to the gates welcomes the King whose glory is greater than any earthly entrance can contain. He is the LORD of Armies, whose might and victory require reverent welcome from the world He owns.

How does Psalm 24 show us that the LORD owns the whole earth, receives pure worshippers, and reigns as the mighty King of glory?

The whole earth belongs to the LORD its Maker.

God's ownership reaches the world and every person who lives in it. He founded it, so no rival has an independent claim. Worship begins by recognising the Creator's right over us.

The holy LORD receives those who seek Him in purity.

The entrance question joins clean hands to a pure heart. Outward respectability cannot cover falsehood or a deceitful oath. The worshipper receives blessing and righteousness from the God of salvation.

The LORD is the mighty King of glory.

The gates are addressed as though they could rise to welcome their glorious King. The answering cry names the LORD strong and mighty in battle. His identity gives the call its force, for the One entering is the LORD of Armies.

Memorise

Who is this King of glory? Yahweh of Armies is the King of glory! Selah.

Psalm 24:10

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what deceit am I bringing before the holy King instead of confessing to Jesus?

The song asks, “Who may stand in his holy place?” Clean hands and a pure heart belong before the King who owns the earth. We cannot hide our deceit behind the appearance of worship.

Jesus is the Lord of glory, pure in heart and without sin. He died in His people's place, bearing their guilt and punishment at the cross. He rose victorious over death, and His finished righteousness and sacrifice provide all they need to stand before God.

Turn from sin and seek your righteousness in Jesus. He welcomes and forgives all who trust in Him. Give the King of glory the reverence owed by every creature He has made. Ask Him to make your hands and heart agree as you follow Him.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the King of glory is holy and gives righteousness to those who seek Him. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for the glory of His kingship and the righteousness He gives. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed.

John 17:5

King of glory, the earth and everything in it belong to You. Please forgive our deceit and bring us to trust Jesus for righteousness. Thank You that His finished work brings guilty people near. Make our hands clean and our hearts pure, and teach us to honour Your rightful rule this week. Amen.