A congregational celebration of the LORD's triumphal entry into Zion.
Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-2
st. 2 = vv. 3-4
st. 3 = vv. 5-6
st. 4 = vv. 7-8
st. 5 = vv. 9-10
Psalm 24 is a liturgy composed for use in one of Israel's annual religious festivals, perhaps the Feast of Tabernacles. In the post exilic liturgy of the temple, this psalm was sung at the time of the morning sacrifice on the first day of the week. The liturgy accompanied a procession that may have reenacted David's bringing of the ark (symbolic of God's throne) into Jerusalem and placing it there in its own tent sanctuary. In broader perspective the liturgy no doubt celebrated the final triumphal march of the King of Glory from Mount Sinai (Ps. 68), or even from Egypt (Ex. 15:1-18), into his royal resting place (1 Chron. 28:2) in the royal city of his kingdom. While the focus is on this triumphal entry (st. 4-5), we also join in the people's confession that the whole world belongs to God (st. 1), and the priestly reminder that only those pure in hand and heart may have fellowship with the LORD (st. 2-3). Marie J. Post (PHH 5) versified this psalm in 1982 for the Psalter Hymnal. See 163 for another setting of the last part of this psalm.
Liturgical Use:
As an entrance psalm for Advent, Palm Sunday, and especially Ascension Day, but also to many other worship occasions.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
