Psalms
Chapter 24
Hymn of Entry Into the Temple
The earth and its fullness belong to the Lord, the world and all that dwells in it.
He has founded it upon the ocean and set it firmly upon the waters.
Who will ascend the mountain of the Lord?Who will stand in his holy place?
Those with clean hands and pure heart,who desire not what is vain,and never swear to a lie.
They will receive blessings from the Lord,a reward from God, their savior.
Such are the people who seek him,who seek the face of Jacob’s God.
Lift up, O gateways, your lintels,open up, you ancient doors,that the King of glory may enter!
Who is the King of glory?The Lord, the strong, the mighty,the Lord, valiant in battle.
Lift up your lintels, O gateways,open up, you ancient doors,that the King of glory may enter!
Who is the King of glory?The Lord of Hosts,he is the King of glory!
Commentaries
24
‘Heavens cannot contain you!’ said Solomon, ‘How much less this house that I have built! (2 Chr 6:18). And yet, the King of Glory passed through the gates of a temple, where Israel’s pilgrims sought his face.’ This psalm shares Solomon’s astonishment: ‘Will God live with men and women on the earth?’ For us, that wonder is surpassed. We have seen the Son of God pass through the gate of our nature and heard him speak ‘of the temple of his body’ (Jn 2:21). And this is not all! Mystically assumed into that body, we become temples too—but we must throw open the gates of a generous heart: ‘If anyone loves me, my Father will love him; and we will come to him’ (Jn 14:23). We think of this as we sing: ‘Let him enter, the King of Glory!’ ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ (Rev 22:20).