LIFT UP YOUR HEADS

Psalm 24 is the third of the great trilogy of psalms viewing the Lord as Sufferer, Ps. 22; Shepherd, Ps. 23; and Sovereign, Ps. 24. It was composed by David, probably as a suitable accompaniment for the procession which finally returned the ark of the covenant from the Philistines, via Beth-shemesh and Kirjath-jearim, to its rightful place on Mount Zion. The psalm is in three parts: God of Creation, vv. 1-2; Lord of Holiness, vv. 3-6; and King of Glory, vv. 7-10. The last of these titles appears here five times yet is found nowhere else in scripture. The psalm may typify the return of the Lord to heaven after His resurrection or perhaps His entry into the city for the commencement of His millennial reign. We may beneficially apply it to His entry into the hearts and lives of individuals for conversion and commitment.

Verse 4 describes the Lord Himself and by inference those who accompany Him and bear His character: clean hands; pure heart; humility; and righteousness. As the procession draws near it is seen that the gates are closed and the head lowered to the gates thus affording greater security to the city. The commands, ‘Lift up your heads’ is a demand that this head be raised, and, ‘Be ye lift up’ that the gates, or doors, be opened to offer unrestricted admittance. The thought is of the gates being thrown wide open in joyful welcome. But the guard, anxious to know why the gates should be opened at all, asks, ‘Who is this King of glory?’ To his question comes the united and emphatic response, ‘The Lord strong and mighty’. As he hesitates, the cry again goes up, ‘Lift up your heads’, and the final and compelling answer to his repeated question is ‘the Lord (Jehovah) of hosts, he is the King of glory’. The head of the gates rises, the gates swing open and in glory the King enters the city to an ecstatic welcome.

However we view this wonderful psalm there is no doubting it is a joyful experience as the Lord, long rejected, is given His rightful place. In a personal way too we should offer Him unrestricted access to our hearts and lives. All our natural defences should be withdrawn and the doors of our hearts thrown open in commitment, and for service. Amen - so be it.