Psalms 24:10

Psalms 24:10 concludes a powerful and majestic psalm, echoing the triumphant declaration of God's supreme authority and splendor. After asking "Who is this King of glory?" in the preceding verse (and again here), the psalm provides a definitive answer: "The LORD of hosts, he [is] the King of glory. Selah." This verse serves as the grand climax, affirming the identity of the one truly worthy of adoration and entrance into His holy presence.

Context

Psalm 24 is often considered a psalm of ascent, likely sung by pilgrims approaching the temple in Jerusalem or during a ceremonial procession, perhaps involving the Ark of the Covenant being brought into the city. The psalm begins by proclaiming God's universal sovereignty over all creation (Psalm 24:1-2). It then shifts to the crucial question of who is worthy to approach this holy God, emphasizing moral and spiritual purity (Psalm 24:3-6). The latter half (verses 7-10) is a dramatic call for the ancient gates to lift their heads, allowing the "King of glory" to enter, culminating in this final, resounding affirmation.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Majesty: The verse emphatically declares God's ultimate reign. He is not merely a king, but "the King of glory," indicating His inherent splendor, power, and honor. This title underscores His unparalleled position as ruler over all things.
• The Identity of the King: The repeated question "Who is this King of glory?" is answered with the profound title, "The LORD of hosts." This identifies the God of Israel as the supreme, all-powerful commander of heavenly armies and all creation, ensuring there is no doubt about His identity or authority.
• Triumphant Entry: The imagery throughout the latter part of Psalm 24 suggests a magnificent, victorious procession. This verse solidifies the idea that the one entering is not just a dignitary, but the most powerful and glorious being in existence.

Linguistic Insights

• "King of glory" (Hebrew: Melech Hakavod): The word kavod (glory) in Hebrew carries the sense of weight, substance, honor, reputation, and splendor. It signifies the visible manifestation of God's presence and character, underscoring His immense worth and majesty.
• "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: YHWH Sabaoth): This is a powerful and significant divine title. YHWH is the sacred covenant name of God (often rendered "LORD" in English Bibles), while Sabaoth means "armies" or "hosts." This title portrays God as the commander of all celestial armies, angelic beings, and the forces of the universe. It highlights His omnipotence and absolute control over all creation, from the stars to spiritual realms (see Isaiah 6:3).
• "Selah": This term, found frequently in the Psalms, is a musical or liturgical notation. It likely signifies a pause for reflection, a moment to meditate on the profound truth just declared, or a musical interlude. Here, it invites contemplation on the immense power and glory of the "LORD of hosts."

Practical Application

Psalms 24:10 calls believers to acknowledge and worship the true King of glory. In a world with many competing allegiances, this verse reminds us that only the LORD of hosts holds ultimate authority and power. Recognizing Him as such should inspire:

• Awe and Worship: Our worship should reflect the majesty of the God we serve. He is not merely a benevolent friend, but the sovereign ruler of the universe.
• Trust and Confidence: If the "LORD of hosts" is our King, we can place our trust in His invincible power to overcome all challenges and enemies. His might is unmatched.
• Reverent Living: Understanding who the King of glory is should motivate us to live lives that honor Him, striving for the purity of heart and hands described earlier in this psalm (Psalm 24:4).
• Anticipation of His Return: For Christians, this psalm also foreshadows the triumphant return of Jesus Christ, who is indeed the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, coming in glory to establish His eternal kingdom.