Psalms 24:6

This [is] the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

This is the generation {H1755} of them that seek {H1875} him, that seek {H1245} thy face {H6440}, O Jacob {H3290}. Selah {H5542}.

Such is the character of those who seek him, of Ya'akov, who seeks your face. (Selah)

Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face, O God of Jacob. Selah

This is the generation of them that seek after him, That seek thy face, even Jacob. [Selah

Psalm 24:6 concludes the identification of those who are qualified to ascend to the Lord's holy hill and stand in His presence, as posed in the psalm's opening verses. Following the qualifications of clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:4), this verse succinctly defines the community that meets these divine standards: those who earnestly seek God's face.

Context

Psalm 24 is a majestic "Ascension Psalm," likely used in ancient Israelite liturgy during processions to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, perhaps commemorating the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into the city (2 Samuel 6:12). The psalm begins by declaring God's sovereignty over creation (verses 1-2), then shifts to the question of who can approach such a holy God (verses 3-6), and culminates in a triumphant call for the ancient gates to open for the King of glory (verses 7-10). Verse 6 serves as a climactic answer to the foundational question, defining the spiritual characteristics of God's true worshippers.

Key Themes

  • Seeking God's Face: This phrase is a rich biblical idiom for desiring God's intimate presence, favor, and guidance. It implies a deep, earnest longing for relationship and communion with the divine, rather than a casual inquiry. It speaks to a heart fully devoted to knowing and experiencing God.
  • The "Generation" of True Seekers: The term "generation" here refers not to an age group, but to a distinct spiritual lineage or community. It describes a collective of people characterized by their genuine pursuit of God. They are set apart by their earnest desire for divine fellowship and their commitment to the righteous living described in the preceding verses, echoing the character of those who may dwell with God.
  • "O Jacob": This address refers not to the patriarch Jacob himself, but to his spiritual descendants—the nation of Israel, or more broadly, all true believers who share the faith and character of Jacob (who was renamed Israel, meaning "struggles with God" or "God strives"). It signifies God's chosen people, those who genuinely belong to Him and embody the qualities necessary for divine fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Seek thy face": The Hebrew phrase is biqshey paneyka (בִּקְשֵׁי פָנֶיךָ). This emphasizes an intense, devoted search for God's presence, His favor, and His direction. It's a hallmark of genuine piety and a deep longing for communion with the Almighty.
  • "Selah": This word, found frequently in the Psalms, is a musical or liturgical notation. It typically signifies a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or a change in musical accompaniment. In this context, it invites the reader or worshipper to pause and deeply ponder the profound truth that has just been stated: the identity of those truly qualified to approach God.

Practical Application

Psalm 24:6 provides a timeless challenge and encouragement for believers today. It calls us to examine our own hearts: Are we part of this "generation" that genuinely seeks God's face? Our access to God's holy presence is not based on ritual alone, but on a sincere desire for Him and a commitment to purity of heart and action. This verse reminds us that true worship flows from a life that actively pursues God's presence and aligns with His righteousness, much like the promise in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." It encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle of seeking God above all else.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 27:8

    [When thou saidst], Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

  • Psalms 105:4

    Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

  • Psalms 22:30

    A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

  • Romans 4:16

    Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

  • Isaiah 53:10

    ¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

  • John 1:47

    Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

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