Bible Glide

Psalms 24

Psalms 24 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 24 opens with God's ownership of the world and moves to the question of who may come near Him. It ends by honoring the LORD as the King of Glory, strong, mighty, and fit to enter with praise.

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What happens in Psalms 24?

This psalm declares that the earth and everyone in it belong to the LORD, who made and established all things. It then asks who is able to stand in God's holy presence and answers with the image of a person marked by clean hands, a pure heart, truthfulness, and loyalty to God alone. The closing lines become a call for the gates to open for the King of Glory, identifying the LORD as strong in battle and worthy of honor.

Psalm 24 is a Davidic psalm and follows Psalm 23, moving from the LORD as shepherd to the LORD as sovereign king. It likely fits a worship setting, with its questions and repeated calls sounding like a procession into God's presence. The chapter combines creation, holiness, and royal praise in a short, memorable form.

Themes to notice

  • God's ownershipThe psalm begins by affirming that everything in the world belongs to the LORD and rests under His rule.
  • Holiness and purityIt describes the kind of person who may approach God: one with integrity, undivided loyalty, and truthful speech.
  • King of GloryThe closing verses celebrate the LORD as the victorious King who is welcomed with reverent praise.

Questions for Psalms 24

  • What does Psalm 24 teach about God's authority over the earth and everyone in it?
  • How do the qualities of clean hands and a pure heart shape the psalm's picture of worship?
  • Why does the psalm repeat the call for the gates to open for the King of Glory?

Read the full text of Psalms 24 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 24

The Earth Is the LORD’s

A Psalm of David.

1The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof,

the world and all who dwell therein.

2For He has founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters.

3Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?

Who may stand in His holy place?

4He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

who does not lift up his soul to an idol

or swear deceitfully.

5He will receive blessing from the LORD

and vindication from the God of his salvation.

6Such is the generation of those who seek Him,

who seek Your face, O God of Jacob.

Selah

7Lift up your heads, O gates!

Be lifted up, O ancient doors,

that the King of Glory may enter!

8Who is this King of Glory?

The LORD strong and mighty,

the LORD mighty in battle.

9Lift up your heads, O gates!

Be lifted up, O ancient doors,

that the King of Glory may enter!

10Who is He, this King of Glory?

The LORD of Hosts—

He is the King of Glory.

Selah

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