S – Lift up your heads, you gates! Rise up, ancient doors! Then the King of glory will come in. 

⁸ Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle

Psalms 24:7–8 CSB

O – Commentary:

The psalmist offered an exhortation (v. 7) and then an explanation (v. 8). If lift up your heads, O you gates refers to the city of Jerusalem then he was calling for the ancient gates to open wide for the triumphant entry. This was a poetic way of displaying the superiority of the one entering. They should lift up their heads because the King of glory is about to come in.

24:8–10. David then gave an explanation. By question and answer he stated that this King of glory is the Lord, who is mighty in battle. The Lord had shown Himself strong by giving them great victories; so He is the glorious King who will enter the city. One can visualize a procession of triumphant Israelites carrying the ark, the symbol of the Lord’s presence, going up to the sanctuary to praise Him. The ideas in the exhortation (v. 7) and the explanation (v. 8) were repeated in verses 9–10. The repetition stressed the point: The Lord is a glorious King who is coming in. Only pure worshipers can enjoy His presence.

 Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 812–813.

A – There are many facets to describe God.  Strong and Mighty King entering his city as a conqueror is quite vivid.  That is who goes with us to face our daily challenges, questions and situations.  We can engage with confidence knowing that the Holy Spirit accompanies in all things we encounter.  

R – Heavenly Father, You are our Mighty King!  Every knew will bow and surrender to the one, true God.  Thank you for empowering us in your presence today.  We choose to be confident in your presence and gifting to make an impact that demonstrates your love and character.