King James Version
Psalms 24
10 verses with commentary
The King of Glory
A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.</strong> This majestic opening declares Yahweh's absolute ownership of all creation. "The earth" (<em>la'YHWH ha'aretz</em>, לַיהוָה הָאָרֶץ) begins emphatically with "to the LORD," establishing divine ownership as primary reality. The parallelism between "earth" and "world" (<em>tebel</em>, תֵּבֵל) r...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **The Lord’s.**—The majesty of Jehovah as Lord of the universe is a reason to the psalmist for insisting on rectitude and sincerity in those who become His worshippers. St. Paul uses the same truth, referring to this place (1Corinthians 10:26), to show that all things are innocent and pure to the pure; so that a Christian (apart from a charitable regard for the weak) may eat whatever is sold i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-15. Same sentiment as Job 36:11, 12, expanded.
**hypocrites--**or, the ungodly [Maurer]; but "hypocrites" is perhaps a distinct class from the openly wicked (Job 36:12).
**heap up wrath--**of God against themselves (Ro 2:5). Umbreit translates, "nourish their wrath against God," instead of "crying" unto Him. This suits well the parallelism and the Hebrew. But the English Version gives a goo...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 24
Chapter Outline
Concerning the kingdom of Christ, and the subjects of that kingdom.(1-6)
Concerning the King of that kingdom.(7-10)
**Verses 1-6**
We ourselves are not our own; our bodies, our souls, are not. Even those of the children of men are God's, who know him not, nor own their relation to him. A soul that knows and considers its own nature, and that it must liv...
Read full commentary →For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
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KJV Study Commentary
God's ownership of earth is grounded in creation: 'he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.' Ancient cosmology viewed earth as established above chaotic waters. Reformed theology emphasizes creatio ex nihilo and God's sovereign ordering of creation. Because God created all things, He owns all things (Ps. 50:12). This establishes divine authority over all human claims t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Upon the seas.**—For the idea of the earth resting on water, comp. Psalm 136:6; Proverbs 8:25-29. In Genesis the dry land emerges from the water, but is not said to be founded on it. In Job 26:7 the earth is said to be hung upon nothing. The idea of a water foundation for the earth naturally grew out of the phenomenon of springs, before it was scientifically explained.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13-15. Same sentiment as Job 36:11, 12, expanded.
**hypocrites--**or, the ungodly [Maurer]; but "hypocrites" is perhaps a distinct class from the openly wicked (Job 36:12).
**heap up wrath--**of God against themselves (Ro 2:5). Umbreit translates, "nourish their wrath against God," instead of "crying" unto Him. This suits well the parallelism and the Hebrew. But the English Version gives a goo...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 24
Chapter Outline
Concerning the kingdom of Christ, and the subjects of that kingdom.(1-6)
Concerning the King of that kingdom.(7-10)
**Verses 1-6**
We ourselves are not our own; our bodies, our souls, are not. Even those of the children of men are God's, who know him not, nor own their relation to him. A soul that knows and considers its own nature, and that it must liv...
Read full commentary →Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
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KJV Study Commentary
The question 'Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?' addresses prerequisites for worship. The 'hill of the LORD' (Mount Zion) represents God's presence. This rhetorical question anticipates the answer in verse 4, establishing that worship requires moral qualification. From a Reformed perspective, this verse raises the problem that Psalm 15 also addresses: who is righteous enough to enter God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3, 4) For the elaboration of this answer, see Psalms 15 and Isaiah 33:15; Isaiah 33:18. “The answer is remarkable, as expressing in language so clear that a child may understand it, the great doctrine that the only service, the only character which can be thought worthy of such a habitation, is that which conforms itself to the laws of truth, honesty, humility, justice, love. Three thousand years...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16. Rather, "He will lead forth thee also out of the jaws of a strait" (Psa 18:19; 118:5).
**broad place--**expresses the liberty, and the well-supplied "table" the abundance of the prosperous (Psa 23:5; Is 25:6).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 24
Chapter Outline
Concerning the kingdom of Christ, and the subjects of that kingdom.(1-6)
Concerning the King of that kingdom.(7-10)
**Verses 1-6**
We ourselves are not our own; our bodies, our souls, are not. Even those of the children of men are God's, who know him not, nor own their relation to him. A soul that knows and considers its own nature, and that it must liv...
Read full commentary →He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He: Heb. The clean of hands
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KJV Study Commentary
The answer requires moral purity: 'clean hands and a pure heart.' Hands represent deeds (external righteousness), heart represents motives (internal righteousness). 'Not lifted up his soul unto vanity' means rejecting idolatry and false worship. 'Nor sworn deceitfully' requires truthfulness. From a Reformed perspective, these requirements are impossible for fallen humanity (Rom. 3:23), pointing to...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **His soul.**—The Hebrew margin is “my soul,” a reading confirmed by the Alexandrian Codex of the LXX. The Rabbis defend it by saying *soul *here *= name *(comp. Amos 6:8; Jeremiah 51:14), and *to lift up to vanity = to take in vain.*
**Vanity.**—Evidently, from the parallelism, in the sense of *falsehood, *as in Job 31:5.
**Deceitfully.**—Literally, *to fraud, *from a root meaning *to trip up...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17. Rather, "But if thou art fulfilled (that is, entirely filled) with the judgment of the wicked (that is, the guilt incurring judgment" [Maurer]; or rather, as Umbreit, referring to Job 34:5-7, 36, the judgment pronounced on God by the guilty in misfortunes), judgment (God's judgment on the wicked, Jr 51:9, playing on the double meaning of "judgment") and justice shall closely follow each other ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 24
Chapter Outline
Concerning the kingdom of Christ, and the subjects of that kingdom.(1-6)
Concerning the King of that kingdom.(7-10)
**Verses 1-6**
We ourselves are not our own; our bodies, our souls, are not. Even those of the children of men are God's, who know him not, nor own their relation to him. A soul that knows and considers its own nature, and that it must liv...
Read full commentary →He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
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KJV Study Commentary
The qualified worshiper (v.4) 'shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.' Blessing and righteousness are received, not earned—pure grace. The phrase 'God of his salvation' (Elohei yisho) emphasizes personal relationship with the saving God. Reformed theology sees imputation here: God credits righteousness to those who meet the standard through faith...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Righteousness.**—This is the real blessing that comes from God. That virtue is her own reward, is the moral statement of the truth. The highest religious statement must be looked for in Christ’s “Beatitudes.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
18. (Nu 16:45; Psa 49:6, 7; Mt 16:26). Even the "ransom" by Jesus Christ (Job 33:24) will be of no avail to wilful despisers (He 10:26-29).
**with his stroke--**(Job 34:26). Umbreit translates, "Beware lest the wrath of God (thy severe calamity) lead thee to scorn" (Job 34:7; 27:23). This accords better with the verb in the parallel clause, which ought to be translated, "Let not the great ransom...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 24
Chapter Outline
Concerning the kingdom of Christ, and the subjects of that kingdom.(1-6)
Concerning the King of that kingdom.(7-10)
**Verses 1-6**
We ourselves are not our own; our bodies, our souls, are not. Even those of the children of men are God's, who know him not, nor own their relation to him. A soul that knows and considers its own nature, and that it must liv...
Read full commentary →This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. O Jacob: or, O God of Jacob
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KJV Study Commentary
This describes the 'generation of them that seek him'—a community characterized by seeking God's face, specifically 'the God of Jacob.' Seeking God's 'face' means pursuing His presence, favor, and fellowship. The 'Selah' invites meditation on the blessed community of God-seekers. Reformed theology sees the church here: across all generations, God gathers a people who seek Him—not through human ini...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **O Jacob.**—The address to Jacob is certainly wrong, and therefore many critics, following the LXX. and Syriac, rightly insert, as in our margin, the words “O God of.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. forces of strength--**that is, resources of wealth (Psa 49:7; Pr 11:4).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 24
Chapter Outline
Concerning the kingdom of Christ, and the subjects of that kingdom.(1-6)
Concerning the King of that kingdom.(7-10)
**Verses 1-6**
We ourselves are not our own; our bodies, our souls, are not. Even those of the children of men are God's, who know him not, nor own their relation to him. A soul that knows and considers its own nature, and that it must liv...
Read full commentary →Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
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KJV Study Commentary
The command to gates—'Lift up your heads, O ye gates'—personifies Jerusalem's entryway, calling them to prepare for the King's arrival. The question 'Who is this King of glory?' creates dramatic anticipation. Reformed theology sees Christ's triumphal entry (Palm Sunday) and His ascension fulfilling this imagery. When Christ enters, all barriers must yield. The repetition in verse 9 emphasizes the ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Gates.**—The LXX. and Vulgate miss this fine personification, by rendering “princes” instead of “heads.”
“Lift up your gates, O princes.”
The sacrifice of the poetry to antiquarianism, by introducing the idea of a “portcullis,” is little less excusable. The poet deems the ancient gateways of the conquered castle far too low for the dignity of the approaching Monarch, and calls on them to ope...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. Desire--**pant for. Job had wished for death (Job 3:3-9, &c.).
**night--**(Joh 9:4).
**when--**rather, "whereby."
**cut off--**literally, "ascend," as the corn cut and lifted upon the wagon or stack (Job 36:26); so "cut off," "disappear."
**in their place--**literally, "under themselves"; so, without moving from their place, on the spot, suddenly (Job 40:12) [Maurer]. Umbreit's t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-10**
The splendid entry here described, refers to the solemn bringing in of the ark into the tent David pitched for it, or the temple Solomon built for it. We may also apply it to the ascension of Christ into heaven, and the welcome given to him there. Our Redeemer found the gates of heaven shut, but having by his blood made atonement for sin, as one having authority, he demanded en...
Read full commentary →Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
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KJV Study Commentary
The question 'Who is this King of glory?' receives the answer: 'The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.' This depicts Yahweh as divine warrior who defeats enemies and enters His city triumphant. Reformed theology sees Christological significance: Jesus' ascension after defeating sin, death, and Satan fulfills this imagery. Christ is the King of glory entering heaven's gates, having ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Who . . .**—But the claim is not unchallenged. The old heathen gates will not at once recognise the new-comer’s right of admission.
**The Lord strong and mighty.**—But it is the right of conquest—
“Jehovah, the strong, the mighty, Jehovah, mighty in battle.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. regard--**literally, "turn thyself to."
**iniquity--**namely, presumptuous speaking against God (Job 34:5, and above, see on Job 36:17, 18).
**rather than--**to bear "affliction" with pious patience. Men think it an alleviation to complain against God, but this is adding sin to sorrow; it is sin, not sorrow, which can really hurt us (contrast He 11:25).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-10**
The splendid entry here described, refers to the solemn bringing in of the ark into the tent David pitched for it, or the temple Solomon built for it. We may also apply it to the ascension of Christ into heaven, and the welcome given to him there. Our Redeemer found the gates of heaven shut, but having by his blood made atonement for sin, as one having authority, he demanded en...
Read full commentary →Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
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KJV Study Commentary
The command repeats with emphasis: 'Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors.' The addition of 'everlasting doors' may refer to heaven's gates, which must open for the victorious King. Reformed theology sees eschatological significance: Christ's ascension opened heaven for His people (Heb. 9:24), and His second coming will manifest His glory universally. The repetiti...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22-25. God is not to be impiously arraigned, but to be praised for His might, shown in His works.
**exalteth--**rather, doeth lofty things, shows His exalted power [Umbreit] (Psa 21:13).
**teacheth--**(Psa 94:12, &c.). The connection is, returning to Job 36:5, God's "might" is shown in His "wisdom"; He alone can teach; yet, because He, as a sovereign, explains not all His dealings, forsoot...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-10**
The splendid entry here described, refers to the solemn bringing in of the ark into the tent David pitched for it, or the temple Solomon built for it. We may also apply it to the ascension of Christ into heaven, and the welcome given to him there. Our Redeemer found the gates of heaven shut, but having by his blood made atonement for sin, as one having authority, he demanded en...
Read full commentary →Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
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KJV Study Commentary
The question repeats—'Who is this King of glory?'—intensifying anticipation. The answer: 'The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.' 'LORD of hosts' (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's command over heavenly armies. Reformed theology sees divine sovereignty: God commands all powers—angelic, earthly, cosmic—and His glory fills all creation. The 'Selah' calls for contemplative pause, inviting meditat...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **The Lord of hosts.**—A second challenge from the reluctant gates serves as the inauguration of the great name by which the Divine nature was especially known under the monarchy. (For its origin and force, see Note on 1Samuel 1:3.)
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
22-25. God is not to be impiously arraigned, but to be praised for His might, shown in His works.
**exalteth--**rather, doeth lofty things, shows His exalted power [Umbreit] (Psa 21:13).
**teacheth--**(Psa 94:12, &c.). The connection is, returning to Job 36:5, God's "might" is shown in His "wisdom"; He alone can teach; yet, because He, as a sovereign, explains not all His dealings, forsoot...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-10**
The splendid entry here described, refers to the solemn bringing in of the ark into the tent David pitched for it, or the temple Solomon built for it. We may also apply it to the ascension of Christ into heaven, and the welcome given to him there. Our Redeemer found the gates of heaven shut, but having by his blood made atonement for sin, as one having authority, he demanded en...
Read full commentary →