The song of joy which accompanies the return of the King of Glory to His kingdom
Tehilliym (Psalms) 24 is often regarded as a psalm of David that exalts Elohiym’s kingship over all creation, emphasizes the holiness required to stand in His presence and the return of the King of glory. The psalm can be broken down into three primary sections, each with a distinct theme:
1. Elohiym’s Sovereignty Over Creation (Verses 1-2)
The psalm begins by affirming that the earth and everything in it belongs to Yahuah (Elohiym). This declaration establishes Elohiym’s absolute ownership and authority over the entire creation, as He is the Creator of all things:
- “The earth is Yahuah’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein”.
- This section emphasizes the idea that nothing is outside Elohiym’s dominion, and it reminds the reader of the power and majesty of the Creator.
2. The Requirements for Entering Yahuah’s Presence (Verses 3-6)
The second section poses a question: “Who shall ascend into the hill of Yahuah? Or who shall stand in His holy place?” (v. 3). The psalm answers this by describing the qualities required to enter Yahuah’s presence:
- Clean hands – referring to righteous actions.
- A pure heart – signifying inner purity and sincerity.
- Not lifting the soul to vanity – a rejection of idolatry or empty pursuits.
- Not swearing deceitfully – a commitment to truthfulness. Those who meet these requirements will receive blessings and righteousness from Elohiym. This passage reflects the holiness and ethical purity required to be close to Yahuah.
3. The Entrance of the King of Glory (Verses 7-10)
The final section is a triumphant call for the gates and doors to be lifted to allow the “King of glory” to enter. The question, “Who is this King of glory?” is answered with the declaration that He is “Yahuah strong and mighty, Yahuah mighty in battle.”
- Yahuah is portrayed as a victorious King who is worthy of honor and worship.
- The psalm concludes with a repeated call to recognize Yahuah as the King of glory, emphasizing His supreme power and kingship.
Symbolic Meaning:
Tehilliym 24 is often interpreted symbolically as pointing to the entrance of Yahusha Ha’Mashiach as the victorious King who has triumphed over sin and death. The psalm’s call for purity of heart also resonates with the Brit Ha’dasha’s (New Testament’s) emphasis on the need for righteousness through faith and works.
Now, let’s take a look at Tehelliym 24, verse-by-verse with a focus on Yahuah’s salvation and its application, especially as it relates to Yahusha Ha’Mashiach:
Tehilliym (Psalms) 24 (YS)
1. “The earth is Yahuah’s, and the fulness thereof ; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2. For He hath founded it upon the seas , and established it upon the floods.”
These verses establish Yahuah as Creator and Sovereign over all creation. Since salvation is fundamentally about restoring creation (which was marred by sin) back to Yahuah, this passage reminds us that Yahuah’s authority extends to all aspects of creation. In the context of salvation, it speaks to Yahuah’s ability and right to redeem the world and all who dwell within it. This connects to Colossians 1:16-17, which speaks of Yahusha Ha’Mashiach as the one through whom all things were created and by whom all things are held together.
3. “Who shall ascend into the hill of Yahuah ? Or who shall stand in His set apart place?”
This verse poses the critical question of who is worthy to stand before Yahuah. From the perspective of salvation, no one can stand before Yahuah in their sin. However, Yahusha Ha’Mashiach provides the way for us to come into the presence of Yahuah, as Hebrews 10:19-23 describes how we can draw near to Yahuah through the blood of Yahusha, having our hearts sprinkled and cleansed just as the sacrificial offering was slain and the blood sprinkled to cleanse the tabernacle.
4. “He that hath clean hands , and a pure heart ; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity , nor sworn oaths deceitfully.”
Here we see the characteristics of those who can stand before Yahuah: set apartness and righteousness. In the context of salvation, these qualities point us toward Yahusha Ha’Mashiach, who is the only one with truly clean hands and a pure heart (see 2 Corinthians 5:21, which explains how Yahusha, who knew no sin, became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of Elohiym in Him). Through our faith in Yahusha and living a life that mimics His, we are made set apart and righteous before Yahuah.
5. “He shall receive the blessing from Yahuah , and righteousness from the Elohiym of His yeshu’ah (salvation).”
The blessing and righteousness come directly from Yahuah, the source of salvation. In Romans 5:17, we see that righteousness is a gift that we receive through Yahusha Ha’Mashiach. This verse echoes the idea that salvation is a gift from Yahuah and not something we can earn, but receive by His grace.
6. “This is the generation of them that seek Him , that seek thy face , O Ya’aqov (Jacob). Selah.”
This verse speaks to those who seek Yahuah, and the ultimate fulfillment of seeking Yahuah is found in seeking Yahusha Ha’Mashiach. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Yahusha invites us to seek Him, and in doing so, we find salvation and communion with Yahuah.
7. “Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of glory shall come in.”
This verse symbolizes the triumphal entry of Yahusha Ha’Mashiach into our hearts and into the heavenly places as the victorious King. John 10:9 describes Yahusha as the door, and those who enter through Him will be saved. The lifting of the gates and doors represents the opening of the way for salvation through Yahusha.
8. “Who is this King of glory ? Yahuah strong and mighty , Yahuah mighty in battle.”
Yahusha Ha’Mashiach is the King of glory who is mighty in battle, conquering sin, death, and the enemy on our behalf. Colossians 2:15 describes Yahusha disarming the powers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them through His victory on the cross.
9. “Lift up your heads , O ye gates ; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of glory shall come in.”
Repeated here, the emphasis on opening the gates for the King of glory connects to Yahusha entering triumphantly into Jerusalem, pointing to His ultimate return as King. Salvation is the entry point for Yahusha’s reign in our hearts and ultimately in His Kingdom.
10. “Who is this King of glory ? Yahuah Tseva’oth , He is the King of glory . Selah.”
Yahusha Ha’Mashiach is Yahuah Tseva’oth , the King of glory who reigns supreme. Revelation 19:16 declares Yahusha as “King of kings and Lord of lords.” This final verse declares His ultimate authority and the future reign in glory, where salvation will be fully realized when Yahusha returns in victory.
Conclusion
Each verse of Tehilliym 24 contains elements of Yahuah’s salvation plan, culminating in Yahusha Ha’Mashiach as the King of glory. The psalm outlines the requirements for entering Yahuah’s set apart place and how salvation through Yahusha enables us to meet these requirements, opening the door for us to experience His glory.