‏ Psalms 24:1-2

PSALM XXIV

The Lord is Sovereign Ruler of the universe, 1, 2.

The great question, Who is fit to minister to the Lord in his own temple? 3-6.

The glory of God in his entrance into his temple, 7-10.

NOTES ON PSALM XXIV

It is probable that this Psalm was composed on occasion of bringing the ark from the house of Obed-edom to Mount Sion, and the questions may respect the fitness of the persons who were to minister before this ark: the last verses may refer to the opening of the city gates in order to admit it. As many of the expressions here are nearly the same with those in Psalm xv., I must refer to that place for their particular illustration; though it is most likely that the two Psalms were composed on very different occasions. The first contains a general question relative to who shall be saved? This is more particular; and refers to the temple and tabernacle service, and who is fit to minister there.

Verse 1. The earth is the Lord's] He is the Creator and Governor of it; it is his own property. Men may claim districts and kingdoms of it as their property, but God is Lord of the soil.

The fullness thereof] "All its creatures."-Targum. Every tree, plant, and shrub; the silver and the gold, and the cattle on a thousand hills.

They that dwell therein.] All human beings.

Verse 2. He hath founded it upon the seas] He not only created the vast mass, but separated the land from the waters, so that the mountains, &c., being elevated above the waters, appear to be founded on them, and notwithstanding all the tossings and ragings of the ocean, these waters cannot prevail. It is established upon the floods, and cannot be shaken.

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