Psalm 24

Most commentators connect this psalm with David’s bringing the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6; 1 Chron. 15:1–16:3), and it may well be that David wrote it for that occasion. It appears to be an antiphonal psalm. The people (or a Levitical chorus) opened with verses 1-2; a leader asked the questions in verses 3, 8a, and 10a; and the chorus or the people answered with verses 4-6, 8b, and 10b. It was sung in Herod’s temple each Sunday, and some connect the psalm with our Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday. For years, the church has assigned this psalm to be read on Ascension Day, the fortieth day after Easter. Christians see Jesus Christ as “the Lord of Glory,” first of all returning to heaven after His passion (Eph. 4:8; Col. 2:15), and then returning in glory to establish His kingdom (Matt. 25:31). This explains the repetition of “Lift up your heads” in verses 7 and 9. The psalm presents a threefold privilege God has given His people.