Psalm 24:7
Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter!
Lift up your heads, O gates
This phrase calls for an opening, a welcoming gesture, as if the gates themselves are personified. In the Hebrew context, "heads" (Hebrew: רֹאשׁ, rosh) often symbolizes authority or the topmost part. The gates, likely referring to the city gates of Jerusalem, are being summoned to rise in anticipation of a significant arrival. Historically, city gates were not only physical barriers but also places of judgment and commerce. The call to "lift up" suggests an elevation of status or readiness to receive something or someone of great importance.

Be lifted up, O ancient doors
The repetition of the call to "be lifted up" emphasizes the importance of the event. "Ancient doors" (Hebrew: פִּתְחֵי עוֹלָם, pitchei olam) suggests a timelessness, indicating that these doors have stood through the ages. This could symbolize the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. The ancient doors are not just physical structures but represent the enduring spiritual readiness required to welcome the divine presence.

that the King of Glory may enter
The "King of Glory" (Hebrew: מֶלֶךְ הַכָּבוֹד, Melech HaKavod) is a majestic title, emphasizing the splendor and honor of God. In the context of ancient Israel, a king was a central figure of authority and power, and the term "glory" (Hebrew: כָּבוֹד, kavod) conveys weightiness, honor, and divine presence. This phrase anticipates the arrival of God Himself, possibly in a liturgical procession, symbolizing His rightful place in the hearts and lives of His people. The entrance of the King of Glory signifies a moment of divine encounter, where heaven meets earth, and the faithful are called to prepare their hearts for His presence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gates and Ancient Doors
Symbolic representations of the entry points to a city or temple, often seen as barriers that need to be opened for the presence of God.

2. King of Glory
A title for God, emphasizing His majesty, power, and divine authority. In Christian theology, this is often seen as a reference to Jesus Christ.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was located, representing the dwelling place of God among His people.

4. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this Psalm, King David was a central figure in Israel's history and a man after God's own heart.

5. Ark of the Covenant
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the Ark is often associated with God's presence and may be implied as entering the city or temple.
Teaching Points
The Majesty of God
Recognize the greatness and authority of God as the King of Glory. This should inspire reverence and worship in our lives.

Preparation for God's Presence
Just as the gates and doors must be lifted, we must prepare our hearts to receive God's presence. This involves repentance and holiness.

Christ as the Fulfillment
Jesus is the ultimate King of Glory. Understanding His role in our salvation should lead us to open our lives fully to Him.

Spiritual Readiness
Be vigilant and ready for God's movement in your life. This involves daily prayer, study, and obedience to His Word.

Community Worship
Encourage corporate worship and the communal acknowledgment of God's glory, as the gates and doors symbolize collective participation.
Bible Study Questions
1. What do the "gates" and "ancient doors" symbolize in your personal spiritual life, and how can you ensure they are open to God's presence?

2. How does the title "King of Glory" enhance your understanding of God's character and His role in your life?

3. In what ways can you prepare your heart to welcome the King of Glory daily?

4. How does the imagery of opening gates relate to Jesus' invitation in Revelation 3:20, and how can this influence your relationship with Him?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence in a powerful way. How did you prepare for that moment, and what can you learn from it for future encounters with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 118:19-20
These verses also speak of gates and righteousness, emphasizing the need for purity to enter God's presence.

Isaiah 40:3-5
This passage speaks of preparing the way for the Lord, similar to the call for gates to open for the King of Glory.

Revelation 3:20
Jesus stands at the door and knocks, paralleling the imagery of opening doors for divine entry.

John 10:9
Jesus describes Himself as the gate, connecting to the idea of entry into God's presence through Him.

1 Corinthians 2:8
Refers to the "Lord of glory," connecting to the title "King of Glory" and emphasizing Christ's divine nature.
The Ascension of Messiah to GloryJohn Newton Psalm 24:7
The King of GloryW. Forsyth Psalm 24:1-10
The Ascension of ChristH. Melvill, B. D.Psalm 24:7-8
The Three ProcessionsE. M. Goulburn, D. C. L.Psalm 24:7-8
The Two Ascensions of ChristJ. Keble.Psalm 24:7-8
Appeal for God's Entrance into the Heart of ManC. Short Psalm 24:7-10
People
David, Jacob, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Age-during, Ancient, Doors, Eternal, Everlasting, Gates, Glory, Heads, Lift, Lifted, O
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 24:7

     5299   door

Psalm 24:7-8

     1045   God, glory of

Psalm 24:7-10

     5323   gate

Library
A Great Question and Its Answer
'Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? and who shall stand in His holy place?'--PSALM xxiv. 3. The psalm from which these words are taken flashes up into new beauty, if we suppose it to have been composed in connection with the bringing of the Ark into the Temple, or for some similar occasion. Whether it is David's or not is a matter of very small consequence. But if we look at the psalm as a whole, we can scarcely fail to see that some such occasion underlies it. So just exercise your imaginations
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The God who Dwells with Men
'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.' --PSALM xxiv. 7-10. This whole psalm was probably composed at the time of the bringing of the ark into the city of Zion.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Ascension of Messiah to Glory
Lift up your head, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. T he institutions of the Levitical law were a "shadow" or "sketch" of good things to come. They exhibited a faint and general outline
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

June the Fifteenth the King's Guests
"Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?" --PSALM xxiv. Who shall be permitted to pass into the sanctuary of the cloud, and have communion with the Lord in the holy place? "He that hath clean hands." These hands of mine, the symbols of conduct, the expression of the outer life, what are they like? "Your hands are full of blood." Those hands had been busy murdering others, pillaging others, brutally ill-using their fellow-men. We may do it in business. We may do it in conversation. We may do
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Climbing the Mountain
Behold, then, before your eyes believer, the hill of God; it is a high hill even as the hill of Bashan, on the top thereof is that Jerusalem which is from above, the mother of us all; that rest "To which our laboring souls aspire, With fervent pangs of strong desire." This mount of which we speak is not Mount Sinai, but the chosen hill whereon are gathered the glorious company of angels, the spirit of the just made perfect, the Church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven. And we are
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

For Ascension Day. --Ps. xxiv.
For Ascension Day.--Ps. xxiv. Lift up your heads, ye gates! and wide Your everlasting doors display; Ye angel-guards, like flames divide And give the King of Glory way. Who is the King of Glory?--He, The Lord, omnipotent to save; Whose own right arm, in victory Led captive death, and spoil'd the grave. Lift up your heads, ye gates! and high Your everlasting portals heave; Welcome the King of Glory nigh; Him must the heaven of heavens receive. Who is the King of Glory?--who? The Lord of Hosts;-behold
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

Letter Xliv Concerning the Maccabees but to whom Written is Unknown.
Concerning the Maccabees But to Whom Written is Unknown. [69] He relies to the question why the Church has decreed a festival to the Maccabees alone of all the righteous under the ancient law. 1. Fulk, Abbot of Epernay, had already written to ask me the same question as your charity has addressed to your humble servant by Brother Hescelin. I have put off replying to him, being desirous to find, if possible, some statement in the Fathers about this which was asked, which I might send to him, rather
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Influence of the King James Version on English Literature
THE Bible is a book-making book. It is literature which provokes literature. It would be a pleasure to survey the whole field of literature in the broadest sense and to note the creative power of the King James version; but that is manifestly impossible here. Certain limitations must be frankly made. Leave on one side, therefore; the immense body of purely religious literature, sermons, expositions, commentaries, which, of course, are the direct product of the Bible. No book ever caused so much discussion
McAfee—Study of the King James Bible

His Future Work
The Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work on earth the Father gave Him to do, who is now bodily present in the highest heaven, occupying the Father's throne and exercising His priesthood in behalf of His people, is also King. To Him belongeth a Kingdom and a kingly Glory. He has therefore a kingly work to do. While His past work was foretold by the Spirit of God and His priestly work foreshadowed in the Old Testament, His work as King and His glorious Kingdom to come are likewise the subjects
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ

The Holy Spirit in Relation to the Father and the Son. ...
The Holy Spirit in relation to the Father and the Son. Under this heading we began by considering Justin's remarkable words, in which he declares that "we worship and adore the Father, and the Son who came from Him and taught us these things, and the host of the other good angels that attend Him and are made like unto Him, and the prophetic Spirit." Hardly less remarkable, though in a very different way, is the following passage from the Demonstration (c. 10); and it has a special interest from the
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

Dialogue ii. --The Unconfounded.
Eranistes and Orthodoxus. Eran.--I am come as I promised. 'Tis yours to adopt one of two alternatives, and either furnish a solution of my difficulties, or assent to what I and my friends lay down. Orth.--I accept your challenge, for I think it right and fair. But we must first recall to mind at what point we left off our discourse yesterday, and what was the conclusion of our argument. Eran.--I will remind you of the end. I remember our agreeing that the divine Word remained immutable, and took
Theodoret—The Ecclesiastical History of Theodoret

The Impossibility of Failure.
"But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak: for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward His name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister. And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end: that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Christian Business World
Scripture references: Proverbs 22:29; Romans 12:11; Psalms 24:1; 50:10-12; Haggai 2:8; Psalm 49:6,10,16,17; 62:10; Matthew 13:22; Mark 10:23,24; Job 31:24-26; Proverbs 3:9; Matthew 25:14-30; 24:45-51; 6:19-21; Luke 12:16-21. THE IDEAL IN THE BUSINESS WORLD There is often a wide difference between the methods actually employed in doing business and when they should be. Good men who are in the thick of the battle of competition and rivalry with other firms in the same line of trade, are the quickest
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Letter Xlviii to Magister Walter De Chaumont.
To Magister [75] Walter de Chaumont. He exhorts him to flee from the world, advising him to prefer the cause and the interests of his soul to those of parents. MY DEAR WALTER, I often grieve my heart about you whenever the most pleasant remembrance of you comes back to me, seeing how you consume in vain occupations the flower of your youth, the sharpness of your intellect, the store of your learning and skill, and also, what is more excellent in a Christian than all of these gifts, the pure and innocent
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Glory of Penitents and Pious People.
Who are they that compose yonder bright multitude? They are headed by a queen who does not wear a virgin's crown; and yet, she is so beautiful, and enjoys so intimate a union with Jesus. Who is she? She is Mary Magdalen, the bright queen of Penitents, and the star of hope to all who have grievously sinned in this world. She was once a sinner, and such a sinner! Her soul was the home of seven devils! She was a hireling of Satan, to catch the souls of men. But a flash of light came forth from the Heart
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

Sense in Which, and End for which all Things were Delivered to the Incarnate Son.
For whereas man sinned, and is fallen, and by his fall all things are in confusion: death prevailed from Adam to Moses (cf. Rom. v. 14), the earth was cursed, Hades was opened, Paradise shut, Heaven offended, man, lastly, corrupted and brutalised (cf. Ps. xlix. 12), while the devil was exulting against us;--then God, in His loving-kindness, not willing man made in His own image to perish, said, Whom shall I send, and who will go?' (Isa. vi. 8). But while all held their peace, the Son [441] said,
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

Question of the Division of Life into the Active and the Contemplative
I. May Life be fittingly divided into the Active and the Contemplative? S. Augustine, De Consensu Evangelistarum, I., iv. 8 " Tractatus, cxxiv. 5, in Joannem II. Is this division of Life into the Active and the Contemplative a sufficient one? S. Augustine, Of the Trinity, I., viii. 17 I May Life be fittingly divided into the Active and the Contemplative? S. Gregory the Great says[291]: "There are two kinds of lives in which Almighty God instructs us by His Sacred Word--namely, the active and
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

The King --Continued.
The second event recorded as important in the bright early years is the great promise of the perpetuity of the kingdom in David's house. As soon as the king was firmly established and free from war, he remembered the ancient word which said, "When He giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety, then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there" (Deut. xii. 10, 11). His own ease rebukes him; he regards his tranquillity
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold.
^A Matt. XXIV. 1-28; ^B Mark XIII. 1-23; ^C Luke XXI. 5-24. ^a 1 And Jesus went out from the temple [leaving it to return no more], and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him ^b as he went forth ^a to show him the buildings of the temple. ^b one of his disciples saith unto him, Teacher, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings! ^c 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said [The strength and wealth of the temple roused
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon Themselves the Righteous Destruction to which they are Doomed.
1. The election of God is secret, but is manifested by effectual calling. The nature of this effectual calling. How election and effectual calling are founded on the free mercy of God. A cavil of certain expositors refuted by the words of Augustine. An exception disposed of. 2. Calling proved to be free, 1. By its nature and the mode in which it is dispensed. 2. By the word of God. 3. By the calling of Abraham, the father of the faithful. 4. By the testimony of John. 5. By the example of those who
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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