What does Psalm 24:8 mean?
ESV: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!
NIV: Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
NASB: Who is the King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.
CSB: Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.
NLT: Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle.
KJV: Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
NKJV: Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.
Verse Commentary:
This describes the King of glory. He is "Yahweh, strong and mighty, Yahweh, mighty in battle." David had seen the Lord display His strength in defeating David's enemies, such as the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:41–49). He surely recalled how God had drowned Egypt's military in the Red Sea after miraculously granting the Hebrews safe passage (Exodus 14:26–29).
In his song of praise to the Lord, Moses asked, "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11). Moses also depicted the inhabitants of Canaan as trembling and experiencing terror and dread because of the greatness of the Lord's arm (Exodus 15:15–16).
Believers should be encouraged to know the Lord is strong and mighty. In Romans 8:31 the apostle Paul asks, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" He adds in verse 37, "We are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
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.
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
