The King of Glory and His Kingdom
A Psalm of David.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.
For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters.
Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face. Selah
Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you 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 you gates! Lift up, you 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. Selah”
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” This psalm is another small jewel. David begins by asserting God’s ownership over the entire world and everyone in it. Given recent political events around the world, it’s wonderful to remember this fact.
“For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters.” God is the Creator and Establisher.
“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place?” This question is the big one for all of us. God is holy and righteous; only someone who is holy and righteous can approach Him.
“He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully.” How do we make sure our hands are clean and our hearts are pure? We must continue to worship God and God alone, not idols. We also must be people of our word, remaining honest and refusing to swear deceitfully.
“He shall receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” When we follow God’s rules, we will receive God’s blessings and His righteousness. God will be our salvation.
“This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face. Selah” When we continue to seek God’s face, we join millions of believers who have come before us.
“Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you 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.” When God, the ultimate King appears, all gates and doors will open. No ways are closed to God!
“Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you 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. Selah” The psalmist answers the question he has posed in the previous verse. God, the Lord of hosts, is the King of glory.
APPLICATION: What do we mean when we refer to God as “the Lord of hosts?” To be Lord means to rule sovereignly over everything and everyone. God rules over all creation but also over myriads of angels.
If you are familiar with Handel’s Messiah, you will recognize verses of this psalm as forming the words for one of the songs in that magnificent work. For an excellent video, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA6_cmOA070
This psalm is an enormous comfort. We are not in charge of the universe; God, the King of glory, the Lord of hosts, is in charge. When we pray to God, we are praying to the Ultimate Authority. We can take comfort that God hears every one of our prayers, no matter how short or how feeble. Personally, many of my prayers consist of “God! Help!”
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Ask the Lord of Hosts for help; he answers knee mail.
Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, many of us wonder if anybody is in charge of anything. Help all those who read this psalm to remember that You are the Lord God Almighty, the Lord of hosts, and that no gates are closed to You. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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