David was no stranger to military victories. He and his army had conquered the city of Jerusalem and made it his capital (II Samuel 5:7). He defeated the Moabites, and stationed his troops as far away as Damascus (II Samuel 8:2, 6). And when his armies defeated the Ammonites, he placed the crown of their defeated king on his own head (II Samuel 12:30). Yes, David knew all about the sort of triumphal processions described in verses 7-10.

But even though he was a mighty king, David recognized One Who was mightier still: the Lord of hosts, the King of Glory (verse 10). Yes, because God is the One Who is strong and mighty in battle, David was willing to give the Lord the praise and glory for all of his own military successes.

But while such humility in the presence of God is hard for anyone, and especially for powerful men like David, it really does make sense. After all, David reminds us in verses 1 and 2 that God is the One Who made the world and everything in it – that’s something that not even the most powerful or wealthiest of human beings could do.

And because God made all of us, He alone has the authority to determine what is right and wrong for us to say or do. So, it is only those whose hands God determines are clean, only those who hearts God determines are pure who can hope to come into His presence (verses 3 and 4).

So, what hope do any of us proud, independent-minded people have? David urges us to seek God’s face, because God is the One Who gives people the blessing of righteousness (verses 5-6). And the Son of David, Who not only gloriously entered His capital city on Palm Sunday, but Who also made the ultimate sacrifice for sin on Good Friday, is the One Who makes such a gift possible. For it is only as we trust in Christ as Savior that we can hope to bow the knee to Him as Lord, giving our lives to the One Who gave His life for us.

So let us put aside our pride. Let’s stop insisting on having everything our own way. Instead, let’s join King David, giving all the praise and glory to our Creator and Redeemer, to the One Who conquered sin and death itself by the blood of His cross, to Jesus – the King of glory.

Psalm 24 (NASB)

A Psalm of David . The earth is the LORD’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the rivers.
3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, And has not sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Thy face– even Jacob. Selah.
7 Lift up your heads, O gates, And be lifted up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in!
8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates, And lift them up, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in!
10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah.