God’s Renewing Word of Thankfulness and Praise
Introduction
Psalm 24: This psalm begins by acknowledging that all the world belongs to God and continues with a question/answer format regarding who may enter the Temple and come into God’s presence. It concludes with praise for the LORD, “the great king.” The reference to the “LORD’s hill” (verse 3) would be Mount Zion in Jerusalem where the Temple was built.
Scripture Reading
The Great King
24 The world and all that is in it belong to the Lord;
the earth and all who live on it are his.
2 He built it on the deep waters beneath the earth
and laid its foundations in the ocean depths.
3 Who has the right to go up the Lord’s hill?[b]
Who may enter his holy Temple?
4 Those who are pure in act and in thought,
who do not worship idols
or make false promises.
5 The Lord will bless them and save them;
God will declare them innocent.
6 Such are the people who come to God,
who come into the presence of the God of Jacob.
7 Fling wide the gates,
open the ancient doors,
and the great king will come in.
8 Who is this great king?
He is the Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, victorious in battle.
9 Fling wide the gates,
open the ancient doors,
and the great king will come in.
10 Who is this great king?
The triumphant Lord—he is the great king!
TODAY’S KEY VERSE: PSALM 24:10
Who is this great king? The triumphant LORD—he is the great king!
Reflect
Most likely this psalm was sung as a liturgical hymn when entering the Temple and as the Covenant Box was being carried in. The Covenant Box was regarded as the earthly throne of God. Verses 3, 8, and 10 may have been sung in a responsive manner, with the priests singing the questions and the worshipers responding. How do you envision the procession while this psalm is being sung? How is God being praised in this psalm? According to verses 4-6, who may “enter his holy Temple?”
Pray
Dear Lord, you are indeed triumphant and you are my king. May my thoughts and actions this day be pure and pleasing in your sight. To worship you is my heart’s delight. I sing your praises and I open the door of my heart so that you may enter and abide with me always. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Isaiah 11:1-16: A vision of a peaceful kingdom and ideal kingship is described.