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Written By: God through Inspiration
Penned By: David, Asaph, Solomon, Heman, Ethan, Moses, and the Sons of Korah
Date Penned: (1440-586 BC)
Overview: Poetry for the Expression of Praise and Worship to God (c 1-150)
Theme: The First Book of Psalms (c 1-41)
Message: Everything Belongs to God (v 1-10)
Psalms 24 Commentary
(24:1) A Celebration - This psalm may have been written to celebrate moving the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem from the house of Obed-edom ( Samuel 6:10-12). Tradition says that this psalm was sung on the first day of each week in the temple services. The first six verses tell who is worthy to join in such a celebration of worship.
(24:1) Taking Care of Our World - Because "the earth is the LORD's," all people are its stewards and caretakers. We should be committed to the proper management of this world and its resources. We are not to become devoted to anything created or act as sole proprietors, however, because this world will pass away (1 John 2:17). When God created the earth and filled it, he said that it was good (Genesis 1:12-31). One responsibility he gave humans was to care for and watch over it (Genesis 2:15). We still have that responsibility. Whether we have a window box, a backyard garden, or a particular concern for the wilderness, let us do our part to preserve, keep clean, and care for God's creation. By so doing we can better enjoy it and praise God for all he has made.
(24:4) Vanity - Vanity in this case refers to falsehood, and swearing deceitfully means telling lies under oath. How greatly God values honesty! Dishonesty comes easily, especially when complete truthfulness could cost us something, make us uncomfortable, or put us in an unfavorable light. Dishonest communication hinders relationships. Without honesty, a relationship with God is impossible. If we lie to others, we will begin to deceive ourselves. We cannot hear God speak to us if we are building a wall of self-deception.
(24:7-10) The King of Glory - Who is this King of glory? The King of Glory, identified here as the "LORD of hosts," or commander of heaven's armies, is the Messiah himself, eternal, holy, and mighty. This psalm is not only a battle cry for the church; it also looks forward to Christ's future entry into the new Jerusalem to reign forever (Revelation 19:11-21).
(24:7-10) A Song of Praise - This psalm, often set to music, was probably used in corporate worship. It was likely reenacted many times at the Jerusalem temple. The people outside would call out to the temple gates to open up and let the King of glory in. From inside, the priests or another group would ask, "Who is this King of glory?" Outside, the people would respond in unison, "The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle," proclaiming his great power and strength. The exchange then would be repeated (24:9-10), and the temple gates would swing open, symbolizing the people's desire to have God's presence among them. This would have been an important lesson for. children who were participating.
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