Psalm Chapter 24 begins by declaring the universal reign of God as Creator: “The earth is the LORD’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it” (Psalm 24:1). This foundational statement highlights that everything belongs to Him—every person, nation, and resource. In the broader context of the Book of Psalms, such a powerful proclamation sets the stage for the psalmist’s continued emphasis on God’s kingship over all the earth, reinforcing that humans should approach Him with reverence and humility.

Traditionally attributed to David, who reigned over Israel from around 1010 to 970 BC, Psalm 24 may have been composed for the occasion of bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. Jerusalem, located in the central highlands of ancient Judah, served as the political and spiritual center of God’s people. During David’s reign, the Ark’s arrival in this key city symbolized a new era of worship and reinforced the idea that the God of Israel was the rightful ruler of the land. In this psalm, the call to receive the “King of glory” (Psalm 24:7-10) underscores God’s authority entering among His people, a moment that remained significant in Israel’s faith history.

The psalm also highlights the moral and spiritual purity required to enter God’s presence: “Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place?” (Psalm 24:3). The psalmist answers by describing those who have “clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:4), underscoring the biblical theme that approaching God involves both external behavior and internal devotion. This emphasis on holiness connects to other passages in the Psalms, as well as throughout Scripture, where righteousness is essential for fellowship with the LORD.

Beyond its original setting, Psalm Chapter 24 ultimately points us to the greater fulfillment of God’s reign in Jesus Christ, who entered Jerusalem triumphantly and is acclaimed as King (Luke 19:38). The repeated call to “lift up your heads” (Psalm 24:7, 9) echoes the promise that God’s chosen King would be welcomed by His people, fulfilling the hope for the reign of the “King of glory.” This passage thus resonates with the New Testament’s portrayal of Jesus’s lordship over creation (Colossians 1:16-17), connecting the psalm’s message of God’s universal ownership and holy presence to the broader storyline of Scripture.