Psalms 24:8

KJV

Who [is] this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who is this King {H4428} of glory {H3519}? The LORD {H3068} strong {H5808} and mighty {H1368}, the LORD {H3068} mighty {H1368} in battle {H4421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Who is he, this glorious king? ADONAI, strong and mighty, ADONAI, mighty in battle.

Berean Standard Bible

Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.

American Standard Version

Who is the King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 24:8 serves as a majestic and triumphant declaration, answering the rhetorical question posed in the preceding verse regarding the identity of the "King of glory." This verse unequivocally identifies this supreme monarch as the LORD (Yahweh), emphasizing His unparalleled strength, overwhelming might, and victorious prowess in battle. It is a profound affirmation of God's sovereign authority, inherent splendor, and His absolute triumph over all opposition, inviting awe and worship in the presence of such an incomparable King.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 24 is structured as a liturgical psalm, likely intended for processional worship, possibly associated with the Ark of the Covenant entering Jerusalem. The psalm opens with a universal declaration of [God's sovereignty over all creation](/psalms/24-1 "Psalms 24:1 - God's Ownership of the Earth") (verses 1-2). It then shifts to a question of who is worthy to ascend God's holy hill and stand in His holy place, detailing the moral and spiritual qualifications (verses 3-6). Verses 7-10 form a dramatic call for ancient gates to open wide for the incoming "King of glory." Verse 8 is the climactic response to the repeated question "Who is this King of glory?" from verse 7, providing a resounding and detailed identification of Yahweh's character before the call is reiterated in verse 9 and the final, emphatic identification in verse 10. The verse thus functions as the central answer, revealing the awesome nature of the One for whom the gates must lift their heads.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is often linked to the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem by King David, as described in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem"). Such an event would have involved a grand procession, with priests and Levites carrying the Ark, symbolizing God's presence, into the city. The imagery of gates lifting their heads reflects the architectural reality of ancient city gates, which were massive structures. The "King of glory" would have been understood in a cultural context where earthly kings demonstrated their power through military might and grand entries. However, the psalm elevates this concept, portraying Yahweh as the ultimate divine warrior and sovereign over all, far surpassing any human monarch. The title "LORD mighty in battle" resonates with ancient Near Eastern divine warrior motifs, but uniquely applied to Israel's God, Yahweh, who fights for His people and establishes justice.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 24:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Kingship**, unequivocally declaring God as the supreme ruler, not just of Israel, but of all creation, deserving of ultimate honor and access. This connects with the opening verses of the psalm that establish God's ownership of the earth ([Psalms 24:1](/psalms/24-1 "Psalms 24:1 - The Earth is the LORD's")). Secondly, it highlights **Unrivaled Power and Might**, describing Him as "strong and mighty," emphasizing God's limitless power, capable of accomplishing anything and overcoming any opposition, a theme echoed in passages like [Isaiah 40:26](/isaiah/40-26 "Isaiah 40:26 - God's Power in Creation"). Thirdly, the phrase "mighty in battle" portrays God as a **Victorious Warrior**, a triumphant general who ensures victory for His people and justice against His enemies, a concept deeply rooted in Israel's history, from the Exodus ([Exodus 15:3](/exodus/15-3 "Exodus 15:3 - The LORD is a Warrior")) to prophetic visions. Finally, the title "King of glory" encapsulates His inherent **Glory and Majesty**, signifying His splendor, honor, and awe-inspiring presence that commands respect and adoration from all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** This is the sacred, personal name of God, often rendered "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Its use here emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness and His self-existent, eternal nature. By identifying the "King of glory" as YHWH, the psalm grounds the majestic, powerful King in the specific, relational God of Israel, who has revealed Himself and acted on behalf of His people throughout history. It distinguishes Him from the generic "gods" of other nations, asserting His unique and supreme identity.
* **King of glory (Hebrew, _Melech HaKavod_):** This majestic title signifies a king whose very essence is splendor, honor, and weighty presence. "Glory" (_kavod_) in Hebrew often denotes a visible manifestation of God's presence, power, and inherent worth. Thus, the "King of glory" is not merely a glorious king, but a King whose reign is characterized by and radiates divine glory, an awe-inspiring majesty that demands recognition and reverence.
* **Strong and mighty (Hebrew, _gibbor_):** The Hebrew word _gibbor_ (used twice in this verse, once as "strong and mighty," once as "mighty") is a powerful term. It describes a hero, a champion, a valiant warrior, or a powerful person. When applied to God, it conveys His immense, incomparable strength and prowess. It speaks of His ability to overcome any opposition, to execute His will with irresistible force, and to act decisively in power. The repetition underscores the absolute nature of His strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who [is] this King of glory?":** This is a rhetorical question, echoing the one posed in verse 7. It serves not to elicit information, but to heighten the anticipation and underscore the unique, unparalleled nature of the One being described. It prepares the listener for a grand revelation, emphasizing that this "King of glory" is no ordinary monarch. The question itself implies a recognition of a magnificent, awe-inspiring figure, whose identity is so profound that it requires a divine answer.
* **"The LORD strong and mighty,":** This is the first part of the definitive answer. The "King of glory" is identified as YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. The attributes "strong and mighty" immediately establish His character as one possessing limitless power and irresistible force. This is not a king who merely rules, but one who actively demonstrates His strength, capable of defending His people and executing His purposes with absolute authority and might.
* **"the LORD mighty in battle.":** This second affirmation reinforces and specifies the nature of God's might. He is not just generally strong, but specifically "mighty in battle." This portrays Him as the supreme divine warrior, a triumphant general who leads His people to victory and decisively defeats their enemies. This imagery is deeply ingrained in Israelite theology, recalling God's powerful acts in the Exodus, the conquest of Canaan, and His ongoing protection of His people. It assures believers that their King is a victorious champion who will always prevail.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 24:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine majesty and power. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, which opens the verse, "Who [is] this King of glory?" This question, repeated from verse 7, is not asked for information but to build suspense and emphasize the profound identity of the subject, making the subsequent answer all the more impactful. **Repetition** is also key, with "the LORD" appearing twice and the concept of "mighty" (Hebrew _gibbor_) being reiterated, once as "strong and mighty" and again as "mighty in battle." This anaphora and lexical repetition serve to underscore and intensify the attributes of God's power and identity. Furthermore, the verse uses **Epithet** by applying the titles "King of glory," "strong and mighty," and "mighty in battle" to the LORD, each acting as a descriptive phrase that encapsulates a fundamental aspect of His character. Finally, the imagery of God being "mighty in battle" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like warrior qualities to God to help human understanding of His active and victorious intervention in the world, while simultaneously transcending any human limitation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 24:8 encapsulates a core theological truth: the absolute sovereignty and unparalleled power of Yahweh. It connects intimately with the biblical theme of God as King, not just over Israel, but over all creation, whose reign is characterized by justice, power, and glory. This verse grounds the worship of God in His inherent nature as the supreme, victorious warrior, assuring His people of His unfailing ability to deliver and protect. It anticipates the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the final subjugation of all opposing forces, reminding believers that the God they serve is indeed the ultimate authority and champion.

* [Psalms 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "Psalms 93:1 - The LORD Reigns")
* [Isaiah 40:26](/isaiah/40-26 "Isaiah 40:26 - God's Power in Creation")
* [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as King of Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 24:8 serves as a powerful anchor for faith, offering profound encouragement and a compelling call to worship. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and the apparent triumph of evil, this verse reminds us that the God we serve is not weak, distant, or indifferent. He is the "LORD strong and mighty," "mighty in battle"—the ultimate victor. This truth should instill deep confidence in believers, knowing that the King of glory fights on their behalf and will ultimately triumph over all spiritual and physical opposition. It calls us to acknowledge His supreme authority in every aspect of our lives, to worship Him with awe and reverence, and to trust in His unfailing power when facing our own battles, whether personal struggles, societal injustices, or spiritual warfare. Our response to such a King should be one of humble submission, joyful adoration, and unwavering reliance on His sovereign might.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as the "King of glory" and "mighty in battle" impact your perspective on personal challenges or global conflicts?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in the "LORD strong and mighty" to fight on your behalf?**
* **What does it mean for you to "lift up the gates" of your heart to allow the King of glory to come in?**
* **How can the truth of God's unrivaled power inspire greater worship and adoration in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to be "mighty in battle" in a modern context?**

Answer: While the ancient context often referred to literal military conflicts and God's intervention on behalf of Israel (e.g., the crossing of the Red Sea in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")), the concept of God being "mighty in battle" extends far beyond physical warfare. In a modern context, it signifies God's absolute power and decisive victory over all forms of evil, oppression, and spiritual darkness. This includes His triumph over sin, death, and the devil through Christ's work on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). It also speaks to His ability to overcome personal struggles, systemic injustices, spiritual attacks, and any force that opposes His righteous will. It assures believers that God is actively engaged in the world, fighting for justice, truth, and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom, even when circumstances seem dire.

**Why is the identity of the "King of glory" so important in this psalm?**

Answer: The identity of the "King of glory" is crucial because it transforms a general question of worthiness (posed in [Psalms 24:3](/psalms/24-3 "Psalms 24:3 - Who May Ascend?")) into a specific declaration of Yahweh's unique and supreme authority. By identifying Him as "the LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle," the psalm moves from a ceremonial inquiry to a profound theological statement. It asserts that the One worthy of such a grand procession and the opening of eternal gates is none other than the self-existent, covenant-keeping God of Israel, whose power is absolute and whose victories are assured. This identification elevates the act of worship, reminding the worshippers that they are not merely participating in a ritual, but standing in the presence of the incomparable, all-powerful Sovereign of the universe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 24:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalm initially speaks of Yahweh, the King of glory who enters His earthly dwelling, it powerfully foreshadows the triumphant ascension and future return of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the true "King of glory," the radiant [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"), through whom all things were created and sustained. Jesus demonstrated Himself to be "strong and mighty" through His miraculous works, His authority over creation, and supremely, His victory over sin and death on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of God were the ultimate "lifting up of the gates," as He, the victorious "LORD mighty in battle" against the powers of darkness, entered into His eternal glory ([Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). Furthermore, this verse points to His glorious second coming, when He will return as the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ, King of Kings"), truly "mighty in battle" to establish His eternal kingdom and bring final justice, at which time every knee will bow and every tongue confess that [Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation").

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

Revelation 19:11

¶ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Revelation 19:21

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Exodus 15:3

The LORD [is] a man of war: the LORD [is] his name.

Revelation 6:2

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Isaiah 63:1

¶ Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Isaiah 63:6

And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

Psalms 45:3

Gird thy sword upon [thy] thigh, O [most] mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.