What does Psalm 24:10 mean?
ESV: Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah
NIV: Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory.
NASB: Who is this King of glory? The Lord of armies, He is the King of glory. Selah
CSB: Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord of Armies, he is the King of glory. Selah
NLT: Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies — he is the King of glory. Interlude
KJV: Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
NKJV: Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah
Verse Commentary:
This closing verse of Psalm 24 describes the glorious King as "the LORD of hosts." This divine title occurs well over two hundred times in the Old Testament. Its first occurrence is in 1 Samuel 1:3. Isaiah and Jeremiah combined use this phrase well over one hundred times.

The name "LORD of hosts" identifies the Lord as eternal and ruler over all the angels and stars. The title reflects the truth that, although Israel's earthly king was David, her real king was Yahweh. Prophetically, the glorious king who will enter Jerusalem is the Lord Jesus. He is the Lord of heaven and earth by virtue of creation and redemption. Colossians 1:15–17 describes Jesus as having created everything in heaven and on earth, not only visible objects but invisible. The invisible would include the angelic host. He also holds everything together. Someday the Lord of hosts will return to earth with mighty angels to execute judgment on unbelievers and to reign from the throne of David (Isaiah 9:6–7).
Verse Context:
Psalm 24:7–10 calls upon Jerusalem to welcome the Messiah. The original audience of the psalm likely heard these words while being encouraged to welcome the ark's return to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). Matthew 21:1–11 offers a preview of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem at His second coming (Revelation 19:11–16). At that time Jesus, the King of glory, will be king over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9).
Chapter Summary:
Tradition suggests this psalm celebrates the return of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. David declares God's role as Creator and Sovereign. He points out the need for worshippers of God to be sincere, truthful, and righteous. The psalm then calls out to the city of Jerusalem to welcome the "King of glory."
Chapter Context:
Psalm 24 follows logically after Psalms 22 and 23. Psalm 22 depicts the Good Shepherd's suffering on the cross. Psalm 23 depicts the depths of His care of his sheep. Psalm 24 depicts his return to rule as king. The cross is seen in Psalm 22. The shepherd's crook is seen in Psalm 23. The shepherd's crown is in view in Psalm 24. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, died for us (Psalm 22), cares for us (Psalm 23), and is coming for us (Psalm 24). Psalm 15 is a parallel to this passage.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 5/2/2024 1:36:40 AM
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