Psalm 24

Psalm 24 (NET) reads:

A psalm of David.

The LORD owns the earth and all it contains,
the world and all who live in it.

2 For he set its foundation upon the seas,
and established it upon the ocean currents.

3 Who is allowed to ascend the mountain of the LORD?
Who may go up to his holy dwelling place?

4 The one whose deeds are blameless
and whose motives are pure,
who does not lie,
or make promises with no intention of keeping them.

5 Such godly people are rewarded by the LORD,
and vindicated by the God who delivers them.

6 Such purity characterizes the people who seek his favor,
Jacob's descendants, who pray to him. (Selah)

7 Look up, you gates!
Rise up, you eternal doors!
Then the majestic king will enter!

8 Who is this majestic king?
The LORD who is strong and mighty!
The LORD who is mighty in battle!

9 Look up, you gates!
Rise up, you eternal doors!
Then the majestic king will enter!

10 Who is this majestic king?
The LORD who leads armies!
He is the majestic king! (Selah)

Psalm 24 is an awesome proclamation of the relationship between Israel and YHWH. It begins with their core belief of YHWH as the sole creator of the universe--"The LORD owns the earth and all it contains, the world and all who live in it." Then, it moves to the type of people of whom YHWH approves--namely "The one whose deeds are blameless and whose motives are pure." The psalmist reminds Israel that this is the lifestyle that accompanies her covenant with YHWH. They were to serve only Him, and to love justice and mercy. Finally, the psalmist recounts the benefits of this covenant with YHWH. He describes him as a conquering king entering into the gates of Jerusalem. He is the LORD who leads armies.

In short, Psalm 24 was a reminder to Israel of the covenant stipulations given at Sinai. YHWH, the only true God, is mighty and has sworn to protect His people. Israel, in turn, was to live according to the Law of Moses, a life characterized by service of YHWH only, and a pursuit of justice (aka "righteousness") and mercy.

Christian theology has evolved since the writing of Psalm 24. Not too many of us have "obey God and He'll put the beat down on your enemies" theology. However, we do look to an eschatological vindication, in which Jesus will put every wrong to right, and put all of his enemies (including death) under his feet. As the people of God, we are still to worship YHWH alone (the Trinitarian YHWH) and pursue righteousness and mercy.

"Father, I confess that You own the earth and everything that it contains. You are the majestic king--strong and mighty, mighty in battle. I thank You that You are righteous--that You can be trusted and that You are loyal. I thank You for Christ--that while He was blameless and pure, He suffered wrath to reconcile us to You. I confess that Jesus is alive, that He is reigning in heaven, and that He is reconciling all things to Himself. I pray that I would be a man of righteousness and of mercy. Amen."