Psalms 24:5

KJV

He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall receive {H5375} the blessing {H1293} from the LORD {H3068}, and righteousness {H6666} from the God {H430} of his salvation {H3468}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will receive a blessing from ADONAI and justice from God, who saves them.

Berean Standard Bible

He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from the God of his salvation.

American Standard Version

He shall receive a blessing from Jehovah, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 24:5 serves as the climactic declaration within a liturgical psalm, articulating the blessed outcome for those who meet God's holy standards. It promises that the individual characterized by purity of heart and integrity of action will receive both divine favor and a right standing directly from the Lord, who is the ultimate source of salvation. This verse underscores the profound truth that while God requires holiness for fellowship, He Himself is the gracious provider of the blessings and righteousness necessary for such a relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 24 is a majestic psalm attributed to David, widely understood as an entrance liturgy for worshipers approaching God's holy presence, likely at the tabernacle or, later, the Temple gates. The psalm unfolds in three distinct movements, each building upon the previous. It commences with a resounding declaration of God's universal sovereignty and ownership over all creation in [Psalms 24:1-2](/psalms/24-1 "Psalms 24:1-2 - God's Sovereignty Over Creation"), establishing the immense holiness and authority of the One being approached. The second movement, beginning in [Psalms 24:3](/psalms/24-3 "Psalms 24:3 - Who May Ascend?"), poses a pivotal rhetorical question: "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?" This sets the stage for the crucial answer provided in [Psalms 24:4](/psalms/24-4 "Psalms 24:4 - Qualifications for God's Presence"), which meticulously details the moral and spiritual qualifications: "He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." Our focal verse, Psalms 24:5, then provides the glorious and promised outcome for such a qualified individual, assuring divine favor and a right standing with God. The psalm culminates in an exultant call for the "everlasting doors" to open for the King of Glory in [Psalms 24:7-10](/psalms/24-7 "Psalms 24:7-10 - The King of Glory Enters"), signifying God's triumphant entry and the worshiper's joyous reception into His presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, Psalms 24 likely reflects the liturgical practices associated with the procession of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem (as described in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")) or the regular worship at the tabernacle, and later, the Temple. The "hill of the LORD" (verse 3) refers specifically to Mount Zion, the sacred site where the Ark resided and where Solomon's Temple would eventually be built. The concept of approaching a holy God in a designated sacred space was foundational to Israelite worship. Purity rituals, both ceremonial and moral, were indispensable prerequisites for drawing near to God's presence, reflecting the covenantal relationship established at Sinai (e.g., [Exodus 19:10-15](/exodus/19-10-15 "Exodus 19:10-15 - Preparation for God's Presence")). The emphasis on "clean hands" and a "pure heart" (verse 4) was not merely external or ritualistic but deeply ethical, contrasting sharply with the practices of surrounding pagan nations whose deities were often appeased through external rites without demanding internal moral transformation. The designation "God of his salvation" would have resonated profoundly with a people who had repeatedly experienced divine deliverance, from the Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea")) to ongoing protection and provision in a hostile world.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 24:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Blessing and Favor**, explicitly stating that the qualified individual "shall receive the blessing from the LORD." This speaks to God's active involvement in bestowing favor, prosperity, and spiritual well-being upon those who align with His character and commands, echoing covenantal promises found throughout the Pentateuch, such as in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings for Obedience"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Righteousness as a Gift from God**, stating "and righteousness from the God of his salvation." This is a crucial theological point, indicating that true righteousness, or a right standing with God, is not solely achieved by human effort but is a status conferred by God Himself. This concept profoundly foreshadows the New Testament understanding of imputed righteousness, where God declares believers righteous through faith in Christ, as articulated in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith"). Finally, the phrase "God of his salvation" emphasizes the **Sovereignty and Redemptive Nature of God**, underscoring that the LORD is the ultimate source and sustainer of deliverance, preservation, and spiritual wholeness, a theme consistently woven through the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 3:8](/psalms/3-8 "Psalms 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the Lord") and [Psalms 62:7](/psalms/62-7 "Psalms 62:7 - God is My Salvation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blessing (Hebrew, _Bᵉrâkâh'_):** From the root _bārak_ (to kneel, to bless), this term signifies divine favor, a beneficial gift, or an act of empowerment and benevolence from God. It encompasses not only material prosperity or physical well-being but also spiritual flourishing, a sense of God's approval, and the impartation of His life-giving presence. In the context of Psalms 24, it denotes the positive outcome of being permitted into God's sacred presence and experiencing His benevolent disposition and provision.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** Derived from _tsādaq_ (to be just, righteous), this word is multifaceted, referring to moral integrity, justice, and a right relationship or standing. Theologically, it describes God's own attribute of being just and faithful to His covenant, but also the status of being declared just or right by God. The pairing with "God of his salvation" in this verse strongly implies that this is a righteousness that originates from and is granted by God, rather than solely a human achievement or inherent quality. It is a divine conferral, a declaration of right standing before a holy God.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yeshaʻ'_):** This term, often translated as "salvation," "deliverance," or "help," comes from the root _yāšaʻ_ (to save, deliver, rescue). When God is called the "God of his salvation," it emphasizes His role as the ultimate rescuer, preserver, and provider of true life, wholeness, and security for the individual. It highlights His active intervention to bring about a state of flourishing and liberation from all forms of distress, spiritual and physical.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall receive the blessing from the LORD":** This initial clause directly states the glorious consequence for the individual who has met the stringent qualifications outlined in [Psalms 24:4](/psalms/24-4 "Psalms 24:4 - Qualifications for God's Presence"). The "blessing" (Bᵉrâkâh) is not merely a human wish or a general good fortune, but an active, intentional bestowal of favor and goodness directly from Yahweh (Yᵉhôvâh), the covenant God of Israel. It implies divine recognition, approval, and the impartation of spiritual and often tangible benefits, signifying God's delight in those who draw near in purity.
* **"and righteousness from the God of his salvation":** This second clause specifies another, perhaps even more profound, gift: "righteousness" (tsᵉdâqâh). Crucially, this righteousness comes "from the God of his salvation" (ʼĕlôhîym of his yeshaʻ). This phrasing underscores that the right standing before God is not earned solely by human effort (though human purity is a prerequisite), but is ultimately a gracious gift, a divine declaration or impartation, from the One who delivers and preserves. It speaks to a right relationship with God that is initiated, sustained, and ultimately defined by His character and redemptive power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 24:5 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and emphasis. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the two clauses, where "the blessing from the LORD" is paralleled with "righteousness from the God of his salvation." This specific form of **synonymous parallelism** reinforces the idea that blessing and righteousness are intrinsically linked and both originate from the divine, emphasizing the singular source of these invaluable gifts. The use of **epithet** is also present in "the God of his salvation," which serves as a descriptive title for the LORD, highlighting His redemptive character and His role as the deliverer and sustainer of life for the individual. Furthermore, the psalm as a whole functions as an **entrance liturgy**, where the question-and-answer format (verses 3-5) serves a **catechetical** purpose, instructing the worshiper on the moral and spiritual requirements for approaching God, with verse 5 providing the ultimate, desirable outcome for adherence to these divine standards.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 24:5 stands as a pivotal statement on divine grace and human responsibility within the Old Testament. It beautifully illustrates the paradox that while God demands purity and integrity from those who would approach Him, the ultimate "righteousness" and "blessing" are not merely the result of human striving but are gifts freely bestowed by God Himself. This concept lays crucial groundwork for understanding God's character as both holy and gracious, demanding a response of ethical living while simultaneously being the source of the very standing by which one can approach Him. It foreshadows the New Testament revelation of righteousness not as a human achievement, but as a divine imputation, making a right relationship with God possible for all who believe.

* [Deuteronomy 6:25](/deuteronomy/6-25 "Deuteronomy 6:25 - Righteousness Through Obedience")
* [Isaiah 45:8](/isaiah/45-8 "Isaiah 45:8 - God's Righteousness and Salvation")
* [Romans 5:17](/romans/5-17 "Romans 5:17 - Reigning in Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 24:5 offers profound encouragement and a clear challenge for believers today. It reminds us that our access to God's presence and the reception of His blessings are predicated on a life that strives for integrity and purity, as outlined in the preceding verse. We are called to cultivate "clean hands" and a "pure heart," to live with honesty and without idolatry. Yet, it simultaneously reassures us that the ultimate righteousness by which we stand before Him is a gracious gift from the "God of his salvation." This truth fosters both humility and confidence: humility, because we recognize that all true good comes from the Lord and not from our own merit; and confidence, because we know that the God who demands holiness is also the God who provides the means to achieve a right standing with Him. Our pursuit of holiness is not to earn salvation, but a grateful, Spirit-empowered response to the grace that has already begun to transform us, enabling us to experience more fully the blessings of His presence and fellowship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to cultivate "clean hands" and a "pure heart" to better align with God's holy standards?**
* **How does understanding righteousness as a gift from God impact my view of my own efforts versus God's sovereign grace in my spiritual walk?**
* **What tangible "blessings from the LORD" have I experienced recently, and how do they affirm His character as the "God of my salvation" in my personal journey?**
* **How does the promise of receiving "righteousness from the God of his salvation" encourage me to draw nearer to God with confidence and gratitude, despite my imperfections?**

### FAQ
**Does "righteousness from the God of his salvation" imply that human effort is irrelevant in the pursuit of a relationship with God?**

Answer: Not at all. While the verse clearly states that righteousness is a gift "from the God of his salvation," it is given to the one who has "clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully" ([Psalms 24:4](/psalms/24-4 "Psalms 24:4 - Qualifications for God's Presence")). This indicates a dynamic interplay between divine grace and human responsibility. God bestows righteousness, but He bestows it upon those who genuinely seek Him and strive for moral and spiritual integrity, demonstrating a heart inclined towards Him. In the Old Testament, this "righteousness" often referred to a right standing achieved through covenant faithfulness and obedience, which was itself enabled by God's grace. It foreshadows the New Testament understanding where, while salvation is by grace through faith, true faith is always accompanied by good works and a transformed life ([Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Grace Through Faith and Good Works")). The human effort is a necessary response of faith and obedience, not a means of earning the gift, but evidence of a life transformed by it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 24:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament worshiper sought to ascend to God's holy hill through personal purity and received a conferred righteousness, Christ alone perfectly embodied the qualifications of "clean hands and a pure heart" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")), living a life entirely without sin. He is the true "King of Glory" for whom the "everlasting doors" were lifted, not merely entering a temple, but ascending to the right hand of the Father after His resurrection ([Psalms 24:7-10](/psalms/24-7 "Psalms 24:7-10 - The King of Glory Enters") and [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")). Through His sinless life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, Jesus became the sole means by which humanity can truly receive "the blessing from the LORD" and "righteousness from the God of his salvation." For those who believe in Him, the righteousness that was once a gift contingent on human striving (though still divinely sourced) is now fully imputed through faith, as we are declared righteous in Christ, who "became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness") and [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom and Righteousness")). He is not only the "God of our salvation" but also the very embodiment of our salvation, making it possible for us to draw near to God with confidence and boldness, not based on our own imperfect efforts, but on His perfect and complete work ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 3:9

¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Ephesians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

Titus 3:4

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Titus 3:6

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Isaiah 46:13

I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

1 Peter 3:9

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Psalms 50:23

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth [his] conversation [aright] will I shew the salvation of God.