MEDITATIONS IN THE PSALMS [An outline of the Psalm, A good devotional study when using the scriptures indicated] Psalm 24 (Sung in celebration of the return of the Ark to Jerusalem 2 Sam.6:11-19) The Song of Ascension
“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:9-11) Psalm 24 is called The Song of Ascension. It is a prophecy of Messiah’s ascension (taking up). The Psalm consists of three stanzas, the first being in vs. 1-2, glorifying God by declaring His universal dominion: Messiah owns it in three ways, by creation (Job 1:1-3; Col 1:16-17); by inheritance (Ps.2; Matt.28:18; Phil.2:9-11); and by purchase (Eph.1:22). A blessed encouragement to redeemed sinners is Romans 8:14-17, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God: for you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of God by Whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Those who are heirs of His Kingdom neither have to beg, borrow, or steal. V’s 3-6 distinguishes the subjects of Messiah’s Kingdom: they are those whose acts are righteous; V3 ask the question, “Who shall ascend?”; V4 answers, “He that hath clean hands.” Whose heart is pure, whose affections are subdued, “Whose soul is not lifted up.” V5, these are the ones that shall enter into His glory, those that shall make up the great train; these are those who have washed their hands, yea their bodies and souls in the blood of the Lamb. V’s 7-10, this final stanza speaks of the ascent of the Redeemer King who opened heaven’s gates and ushered in His glorious bride: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men” (Eph.4:8). The Psalm poses the question “Who is this King of Glory?” reverting back through the psalm verse by verse it brings forth the answer; V’s 9-10 proclaims His military status, “Who is this King of glory?” “He is the Jehovah of armies,” He won the title by His victory on the cross. Ask the great monarchs of the past, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar (Dan.4:34-35). He owns His throne rights by battles victorious, “We know this might of Jesus by the battles which He has fought, the victories which He has won over sin, and death, and hell, and we clap our hands as we see Him leading captivity captive in the majesty of His strength. Oh for a heart to sing His praises! Mighty hero, be Thou crowned forever King of kings and Lord of lords” (CHS). ~~Terry Worthan, 1938-2022
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