The King of Glory Enters In (Psalm 24) | Charles Spurgeon

Deep Dive into The Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon - Psalm 24The exposition of Psalm 24, titled "The Song of the Ascension," is structured into three distinct sections: the universal dominion of God, the description of those fit to commune with Him, and the glorious ascent of the Redeemer. This sacred hymn was likely composed for the joyful occasion when the ark of the covenant was brought up to Zion, but the psalmist’s vision ultimately focused on the sublime ascension of Jesus Christ.The first part establishes God’s absolute sovereignty. It refutes the narrow Jewish notion of exclusiveness by declaring, "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." Jehovah is the true Proprietor of the whole world and all its inhabitants, claiming all men, regardless of race, as His rightful subjects. This dominion is justified by the act of creation, as God founded and established the earth upon the seas. However, this imagery also highlights the profound instability of all terrestrial things, contrasting sharply with the stable hope Christians place in the immutable God.The second section addresses the crucial question: Who is worthy to enter God’s holy presence? The ideal candidate, the true Israel, is defined not by nationality but by moral and spiritual character. This person must possess outward integrity ("clean hands") and inward transformation ("a pure heart"). Furthermore, they must not delight in the empty "vanity" of the world nor swear deceitfully. While this character is demanded, the sources clarify that salvation does not rely on these merits; rather, these works are the evidence of grace, received as a blessing and righteousness from the God of salvation. This group, dedicated to seeking God’s face, forms a separate generation.Finally, the Psalm culminates in a majestic picture of the ascent of the King of Glory—Christ, the one man who perfectly embodied the required purity. As Christ ascends to heaven, ancient gates are commanded to "Lift up their heads" to receive Him. To the query "Who is this King of glory?" the attending angels respond with triumphant strains, identifying Him as "The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle." The repeated command and response confirm that the ascended Saviour is Jehovah of Hosts, the Head and Crown of the universe, who, having opened heaven's everlasting doors, provides the way for all who trust in Him to follow.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730