King James Version
Psalm 24
Operating as an entrance liturgy and hymn of praise, Psalm 24 celebrates God's universal sovereignty over the earth before focusing on who may climb the holy hill of Zion. Clean hands, a pure heart, and truthfulness are listed as requirements for entering divine presence. The psalm concludes with a grand procession calling ancient gates to lift up their heads for the King of glory. Placed near the end of the early collection, it combines cosmic majesty with moral purity. The opening verse asserts divine ownership, stating, "The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
1 The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
GO DEEPER
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