Psalms 24:9

KJV

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift [them] up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

KJV (with Strong's)

Lift up {H5375} your heads {H7218}, O ye gates {H8179}; even lift them up {H5375}, ye everlasting {H5769} doors {H6607}; and the King {H4428} of glory {H3519} shall come in {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Lift up your heads, you gates! Lift them up, everlasting doors, so that the glorious king can enter!

Berean Standard Bible

Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter!

American Standard Version

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; Yea, lift them up, ye everlasting doors: And the King of glory will come in.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 24:9 is a resounding command for the ancient, enduring gates to open wide, preparing the way for the majestic and triumphant entry of the "King of glory." This verse, part of a repeated refrain within a psalm celebrating God's supreme sovereignty, vividly portrays the Lord's absolute right and power to enter His holy dwelling, whether a physical sanctuary or the spiritual realm, demanding that all barriers yield to His glorious presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the second instance of a powerful, climactic refrain within Psalm 24, echoing the command first issued in [Psalm 24:7](/psalms/24-7 "Psalm 24:7 - The First Call to the Gates"). The psalm itself is structured as a liturgical piece, possibly used for a processional entry into Jerusalem or the Temple. The preceding verses, specifically [Psalm 24:3-6](/psalms/24-3 "Psalm 24:3 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?"), establish the moral and spiritual qualifications for those permitted to ascend "the hill of the Lord" and stand in "His holy place"—namely, those with clean hands and pure hearts who do not lift their souls to falsehood. This sets a profound contrast: while humans must meet ethical criteria to approach God, God Himself, as the King of glory, demands entry without qualification, asserting His inherent right and power over all creation, including the most formidable barriers. The repetition of the command emphasizes its urgency and the certainty of the King's arrival.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Psalm 24 is widely associated with the historical event of King David bringing 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"). The Ark represented the very presence of God among His people, and its entry into the newly established capital was a moment of immense theological and national significance. In ancient Near Eastern cities, gates were not merely entrances but formidable defensive structures, symbols of power, authority, and security. For these gates, even "everlasting doors," to be commanded to "lift up their heads" signifies a divine authority that transcends all human or material defenses. The imagery evokes a grand, triumphant procession, where the King of glory is not merely entering but conquering, asserting His dominion over the very structures that define human power and security.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 24:9 powerfully encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes central to the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Authority**, portraying God not as a visitor, but as the supreme ruler before whom all earthly and cosmic barriers must yield. His command to the gates is an absolute declaration of His universal dominion, reflecting His status as the Creator and Sustainer of all things (as hinted in [Psalm 24:1-2](/psalms/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the Lord's")). Secondly, the majestic title **"The King of Glory"** highlights God's inherent majesty, radiant presence, and overwhelming power. This title speaks to His intrinsic worthiness of all honor and praise, a theme echoed in prophetic visions of God's throne (e.g., [Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1 - Vision of God's Glory")). Thirdly, the verse vividly depicts a **Triumphal Entry**, an anticipation of a glorious revelation of divine power and presence, whether through the Ark's procession or a more ultimate spiritual reality. Finally, there is a palpable sense of **Anticipation and Expectation**, as the psalm builds towards the grand arrival of the divine presence, urging all obstacles, both physical and spiritual, to give way before Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lift up (Hebrew, _nasa'_):** The verb נָשָׂא (_nasa'_) means "to lift, bear, carry." Here, it is an imperative, a direct command to the gates. The imagery of gates "lifting up their heads" is a striking personification, implying an active, conscious response to the divine command. It suggests not merely opening, but rising to their full height, perhaps in reverence or to accommodate a grand, majestic entry, symbolizing the removal of all obstruction.
* **Gates (Hebrew, _sha'ar'_):** The word שַׁעַר (_sha'ar_) refers to a city or temple gate. In ancient times, gates were vital for defense and represented the strength, authority, and identity of a city. They were also places of judgment, commerce, and public gathering. The command to these foundational structures signifies that no earthly power, no matter how fortified or ancient, can withstand the sovereign will of God.
* **Everlasting doors (Hebrew, _petach olam'_):** The phrase פֶּתַח עוֹלָם (_petach olam_) literally translates to "doors of eternity" or "ancient/long-standing doors." This emphasizes the antiquity and permanence of these barriers. Even the most deeply rooted, seemingly immovable obstacles, those that have stood for ages, are commanded to yield. This amplifies the King of glory's supreme authority, before whom even time-honored traditions or seemingly insurmountable spiritual strongholds must give way.
* **King of glory (Hebrew, _Melech haKavod'_):** מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֹד (_Melech haKavod_) is a majestic title. _Melech_ means "king," denoting sovereignty and rule. _Kavod_ (כָּבוֹד) is a rich theological term signifying weight, honor, dignity, and most profoundly, the visible manifestation of God's presence and splendor. It is the radiant, awe-inspiring presence of God, often associated with His holiness and power (e.g., the cloud of glory filling the Tabernacle in [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle")). Thus, the "King of glory" is the Sovereign whose very presence is a manifestation of divine majesty and overwhelming power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lift up your heads, O ye gates;":** This is a direct, imperative command, personifying the inanimate gates. "Heads" here refers to the top part of the gates, which would be lifted or opened. It's a call for the physical structures to respond to a divine summons, symbolizing the removal of any barrier, whether literal or metaphorical, that might impede the entrance of the divine presence. The command is not a request but an authoritative declaration.
* **"even lift [them] up, ye everlasting doors;":** This clause repeats and intensifies the previous command, using a synonymous parallel phrase, "everlasting doors." The repetition emphasizes the urgency and certainty of the command. The "everlasting" nature of the doors highlights their ancient, enduring, and seemingly unyielding quality, making the command for them to open even more profound and indicative of the King's absolute power over all things, including the most entrenched obstacles.
* **"and the King of glory shall come in.":** This is the ultimate purpose and consequence of the command. The "King of glory" is the subject of the anticipated entry, confirming His identity as the one whose majestic presence necessitates the opening of all gates. The future tense "shall come in" is not merely a prediction but a declaration of divine certainty and inevitability. His entrance is not contingent on the gates' willingness but is a sovereign act that demands their immediate compliance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 24:9 is rich with literary artistry, primarily employing **Personification** and **Repetition**. The most striking device is **Personification**, where inanimate objects—the "gates" and "everlasting doors"—are addressed as if they possess consciousness and the ability to "lift up their heads." This imbues the scene with dramatic urgency and underscores the overwhelming power of the King of glory, whose command even the very structures of the world must obey. The **Repetition** of the command ("Lift up your heads... even lift [them] up") serves to emphasize the imperative nature of the call and build a sense of anticipation and climax. It reinforces the certainty of the King's arrival and the absolute necessity for all barriers to yield. Furthermore, the use of the majestic **Title** "King of glory" is a powerful literary choice, immediately conveying the supreme majesty, power, and inherent splendor of the one who is about to enter, setting Him apart as utterly unique and sovereign. The entire verse functions as a dramatic **Call to Welcome**, preparing the audience for a profound revelation of divine presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 24:9, while rooted in a specific historical context, transcends its immediate setting to convey profound theological truths about God's universal sovereignty and the nature of His glorious presence. It speaks to the reality that no earthly power, no human barrier, and no spiritual stronghold can ultimately withstand the authority of the Almighty. The "King of glory" is not merely entering a city or a temple; He is asserting His rightful dominion over all creation, demanding that every obstacle give way. This anticipates the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the full revelation of His glory, a theme woven throughout biblical narrative from the Tabernacle's filling with glory to the New Jerusalem. It challenges us to consider what "gates" in our own lives or in the world might be resisting the full entry and reign of God's glorious presence.

* [Psalm 24:7](/psalms/24-7 "Psalm 24:7 - The First Call to the Gates")
* [Acts 1:9](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - The Ascension of Jesus")
* [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Christ's Second Coming")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 24:9 serves as a profound call to prepare our hearts and lives for the full entry and reign of the King of glory. Just as ancient gates were commanded to open, we are invited to examine the "gates" within our own souls—our minds, wills, and emotions—and ask if there are any areas that remain closed, resistant, or unyielded to God's sovereign authority. This verse reminds us that God's desire is not merely to visit, but to fully inhabit and rule. It challenges us to actively dismantle internal barriers of pride, fear, unforgiveness, or self-sufficiency that prevent the transformative power of His glory from fully manifesting in our lives. Living in light of this verse means recognizing that no obstacle, whether personal struggle or global challenge, is too great for the King of glory to overcome. It instills a hopeful anticipation of His ultimate triumph and encourages us to live lives that reflect His radiant presence, making Him welcome in every sphere.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gates" or barriers in my own life (e.g., fears, doubts, unforgiveness, pride) am I currently keeping closed to the full reign of the King of glory?**
* **How does recognizing God as the "King of glory" impact my understanding of His authority over my circumstances and the world?**
* **In what practical ways can I "lift up my head" and actively prepare my heart to welcome God's presence and sovereignty more fully each day?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "King of glory" in this verse?**

Answer: The "King of glory" (Hebrew: _Melech haKavod_) is a majestic title emphasizing God's supreme sovereignty, inherent majesty, and radiant presence. "Glory" (_kavod_) refers to the visible manifestation of God's weighty and awe-inspiring presence, often associated with His power and holiness. In Psalms 24:9, this title underscores that the one entering is not just a king, but the ultimate, divine King whose very being is splendor and authority. His entrance is not a mere visit but a triumphant assertion of His rightful dominion over all things, demanding the yielding of all barriers. This title sets the stage for a profound theological understanding of God's nature and His relationship with creation, highlighting His absolute preeminence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While rooted in the Old Testament context of God's presence entering His sanctuary, Psalms 24:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true "King of glory," the radiant expression of God's very being (as described in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")), through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - All Things Created Through Him")). The earthly procession of the Ark foreshadowed Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, but more significantly, His glorious **Ascension** into heaven after His resurrection. When Christ, having conquered sin and death, ascended, the "everlasting doors" of heaven opened to receive Him as the victorious Lord, seated at the right hand of God ([Acts 1:9](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - The Ascension of Jesus"); [Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ Ascending and Giving Gifts")). This psalm also points forward to His **Second Coming**, when He will return in ultimate glory, and every knee will bow before Him ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Christ's Second Coming"); [Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Furthermore, on a personal level, Christ, the King of glory, desires to enter and reign in the "gates" of our hearts ([Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Christ Knocks at the Door")), making His dwelling within us and transforming us by His glorious presence ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")).

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.