Psalm 24: When Worship Is Right
1. A Recognition of God’s Power
The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, 2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Psalm 24:1-2 (ESV); Colossians 1:16
2. A Revelation of God’s Purity
3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah Psalm 24:3-6 (ESV)
a. The way to seek God (vv. 3-4).
Jesus condemned the Pharisees who were men of clean hands but corrupt hearts (Mt. 23:25-28).
These statements combine to teach us that true holiness extends to our complete person.
"Clean hands" designate one who is holy in deed, that is, in outward actions as well as inwardly.
b. The results: You will receive God’s blessing and His righteousness (v. 5). Luke 18:13-14
James Boice: I suggest that in order to understand verses 4 and 5, it is best to take the phrases in an inverse order . . . I would make the order like this:
Vindication (or justification) from God our Savior (v. 5b),
Blessing from the Lord (v. 5a), and then
Clean hands and a pure heart, resulting in a life which does not lift itself up to idols or swear falsely (v. 4).
c. The truth declared: It is such people who truly seek and worship God (v. 6).
3. A Realization of God’s Presence
7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle! 9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah Psalm 24:7-10 (ESV)
First, to the people of His day who were receiving the ark of the covenant into their city.
Second, to the people in the future who would receive Jesus into Jerusalem at His triumphal entry, shortly before His crucifixion (Mt. 21:1-11).
Third, to the people in the last days who will receive Christ as King when He returns to earth in power and glory (Re. 1:7; 19:11-21).
a. The need: To open up the gates and doors to the King of glory (v. 7).
b. The reason: The King of glory is the Lord who is strong and mighty (v. 8).
c. The need and reason reemphasized (v. 9-10).
(*Notes provided by the Preachers Outline and Sermon Bible.)