Psalm 24:7-10 The King of Glory

In 1 Chronicles 15, we see a beautiful picture of King David gathering the priests and the Levites together for one purpose: the ark of the Lord was to be brought from the house of Obed-edom and placed inside the tent of the Lord in Jerusalem. While the ark was being transported, only a few Levites were carrying the actual ark. The vast majority of the host were worshipping the Lord. With great singing and dancing and sacrifices being offered, the ark was moved. King David himself, along with the elders of Israel and the commanders of thousands, danced and rejoiced before the Lord.

It is believed that Psalm 24 was the hymn that was sung as the ark was brought close to the city of David. This is a psalm of praise, especially as God’s presence was being brought into the King’s city.

Please keep that wonderful picture in mind as you read Psalm 24:7-10.

The first thing you might notice about these verses is that they repeat themselves with only minor variations. This should be familiar to anyone who’s ever sang a praise and worship song! The repetition is not as important as the message that is being repeated.

To better understand that message, let me provide a little background information. In the days of King David, cities were fortified by massive walls, whose doors were made of massive gates. There were two primary gates that were used. One, which has been discovered by archaeologists, would use massive grooves to draw the entire gate up like our window blinds. The second kind had two parts: the upper part would be drawn up and out (picture an upside-down drawbridge); after which the lower part would open out like folding doors. Whichever type of gate was used, the first step in opening them would be to lift them up.

So, as the worshipping throng gathers near to the city, they are shouting “open up the doors that the King of glory may come in.” When the gate keeper asks “who is this King of glory?” The answer is sung in praise: “The Lord, strong and mighty! The Lord, mighty in battle! The Lord of hosts! He is the King of glory!” The gates would then be opened and God’s presence in the ark of the covenant would be brought into the city for all to worship.

This beautiful picture actually took place here on earth, but it was simply a shadow of what would happen many years later in the heavenly realm. After Jesus died on the cross, and rose again from the grace, conquering all enemies, even Satan and death, He proved Himself to be the Lord, strong and mighty in battle. When He ascended into heaven, you can hear the praise of this blessed psalm: Heaven’s gates opened wide to let the King of Glory enter in.

Jerusalem's gates were not 'ancient doors,' but Heaven's gates are eternal. Those eternal gates were opened when the King of glory came in. Praise God that, since Jesus has entered in, Heaven’s gates have never since been shut! All who would trust in Jesus Christ may enter into His heavenly kingdom. Now that the King of Glory has come in, He welcomes all of the faithful to follow Him!