Lecture Notes: Psalm 24 and the King of Glory

Introduction to Psalm 24

• Opening reference to Psalm 24:1: "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein."
• Importance of recognizing God as the Creator and Owner of the Earth.
• Discussion on the responsibility of a king in a kingdom: Total welfare of citizens is the king's responsibility.

Key Themes in Psalm 24

The King of Glory

• Psalm 24 attributed to David.
• Describes God as the King of Glory.
• God's ownership of the earth challenges Jewish exclusivity.
  • Contradicts Jewish belief that they alone were God's people.
  • Proclaims God as God of all humanity regardless of race, creed, or status.

God as Creator

• God is the Possessor, Provider, and Preserver of the world.
• Reference to creation (Genesis): God founded the earth upon the seas and established it upon the floods.
  • Science confirms this through Earth’s position in the habitable zone.
  • Earth as an oceanic planet crucial for life.

Racial, Spiritual, and Cosmological Implications

• Racial Connotations: God is the God of all people, not just Jews.
• Spiritual Connotations: Monotheism vs. Polytheism.
  • God’s attributes (Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Eternal, Immutable, Perfect, Holy) demonstrate His sovereignty.
  • Need for one God: Efficiency in worship.
• Cosmological Order: God as an intelligent designer.
  • Creation reflects order, specificity, and function.
  • Emphasis on living life in order.

Worthiness to Ascend into God's Presence

• High Holiness: Question of who can be in God’s presence.
• Clean hands, pure heart, and non-arrogant soul necessary for fellowship with God.
• Analogy: Importance of clean hands in fellowship.
• God imparts righteousness, akin to the Chinese word for righteousness (Yang Wo).

Worship and Praise

• Worship as a response to God’s righteousness.
• Sela: Musical pause, reflection, and preparation for the next section.

Refrain and Eschatological Significance

• Refrain in Psalm 24: "Lift up your head, O ye gates... and the King of Glory shall come in."
• Two Occurrences:
  • 1st: Jesus’ ascension post-resurrection.
  • 2nd: Anticipated return and entrance into heaven with believers.

The King’s Record

• Titles of God as warrior and leader show His victory in battles.
• Examples of God's victories:
  • Kicked out Lucifer, Flood, Victory at Red Sea, etc.
• Repeated victories affirm God’s unmatched power and eternal kingship.

Conclusion: The Unmatched King

• God as an undefeatable king.
• Call for uplifted spirits and recognition of God's constant victories.
• Encouragement to remain hopeful and faithful as God’s children will join Him in His kingdom.
• Affirmation: All God does is win, embodying eternal victory and glory.