Psalm 24: The Crown

By Cody Westbrook

            Psalm 24 is known as the psalm of the crown. Generally accepted as having been written by David, this psalm has both historical and prophetic significance. David is thought to have composed this psalm on the occasion of his bringing the Ark of the Covenant from the house of Obed-edom to Mount Zion. It documents the joy and praise that accompanied this great event in the history of Israel. However, its scope has a far greater reach as it looks forward to the grand entrance of Christ into heaven. In Psalm 22 we read of the Savior’s cruel death at Calvary; Psalm 23 presents Christ to us as a Shepherd with His sheep; and Psalm 24 shows our Savior being exalted as He takes His place as the King of glory.

The Glorious Kingdom (vss. 1-6)

            As we consider the glorious kingdom of God in this context, we see it in three different ways. First, David exclaims that all creation belongs to our God. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). Everything that exists belongs to the Lord. He has made it, and He sustains it (Colossians 1:16-17). Second, the physical kingdom of Israel is referred to because that is where David brought the Ark to dwell. Third, the kingdom of Christ, the church of Christ, is referenced. Jesus is the King of the church (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Mark 9:1; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9). When time is no more, He will deliver that Kingdom back to the Father (1 Timothy 6:15, 1 Corinthians 15:24), and only those who are in the kingdom will be saved (Ephesians 5:23).

The Glorious King (vss. 7-10)

            It must have been a thrilling occasion for David and his mighty men of valor to approach the gates of Jerusalem with the Ark. The picture of the porters opening the gates, and the nation erupting in songs of praise on this occasion, is vivid. But this is not the only sense in which the Psalmist is writing. One writer put it this way: “This is a prophecy of the ascension of Jesus and the reception that was accorded Him. It…represents a call upon His celestial city to open its gates to the conquering King…He left the city for a sojourn in the world of mankind. He met the enemy of souls in battle and came off the victor…Now the gates of the city were bidden to admit this King of glory. He entered and was seated at His Father’s right hand, where He is now reigning as the King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Conclusion

            As we meditate on this psalm, we develop a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice of our Savior. In Philippians 2:1-8 Paul explains in detail what Christ forfeited on our behalf. Paul further explains, that because of His sacrifice, “God also has given highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus, every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). Christ is the King of kings because He did what no king had done before: He gave His life for all of mankind-even those who hated Him and killed Him. Because of this selfless act, all men will acknowledge the glorious Kingship of the Savior, either in this life, or in that which is to come.