Christ in the Old Testament

Psalm 24:10

Who is he, this King of glory?
    The Lord Almighty—
    he is the King of glory. (NIV)

Today’s Reading: Psalm 24

Psalm 24 is the third psalm in the trilogy of Messianic psalms following Psalms 22 and 23. All three psalms were written by David. The circumstances surrounding this psalm are generally understood to be the Ark of God being brought from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem during David’s reign as king.

This psalm is depicting Jesus entering the New Jerusalem as our King. It has a close similarity to Revelation chapter five where a search is made for One who is worthy to reclaim the earth for the glory of God. When it seemed that no man was worthy, the elder tells John to see the Lion of Judah has triumphed and is able to do it. And all the heavenly beings fell down and worshiped the Lamb who was slain.

Verse 1 begins with a declaration that the Earth is the Lord’s along with everyone and everything in it. Paul seemed to be particularly fond of this verse as he uses it in multiple places throughout his writings. He quotes this verse in 1 Corinthians 10:26 and alludes to it in Colossians 1:15-17, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Verse 3 asks if there is anyone who can stand in the presence of God. Verse 4 answers the question by declaring that “the one who has clean hands and a pure heart” is worthy. Jesus is the one who is worthy. John tells us, “But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin” (1 John 3:5). Jesus is worth because he was sinless – clean and pure.

The King of Glory is the name for Jesus used five times over the final four verses of this psalm. This name is not used anywhere else in Scripture except in Psalm 24. When Jesus reigns over the new earth, we will see his face and his glory will light up the world. “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever” (Rev 22:5).

I’m a fan of the band Third Day. When I read this psalm, all I can hear is their song King of Glory. “Who is this King of Glory?” the song asks.

His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty, the King of my heart
The King of glory

Who is this King of glory with strength and majesty
And wisdom beyond measure, the gracious King of kings
The Lord of Earth and Heaven, the Creator of all things
Who is this King of glory, He’s everything to me

The Lord of Earth and Heaven, the Creator of all things
He is the King of glory, He’s everything to me!

Today’s Prayer: Jesus, you are the King of Glory. You are Lord of heaven and earth. You are King of my heart. You are everything to me!