Psalm 24:1

This Psalm, then, appropriated to the Lord's day, our Sunday, was intended to celebrate the resurrection of Messiah, and his ascension into heaven, there to sit as priest upon God's throne, and from thence to come down bringing blessings and mercies to his people. R. H. Ryland.

Whole Psalm. Anthem of praise, performed when the heads of the gates of Jerusalem were lifted up to receive the ark; and those of the Israelites who were ceremoniously clean, were alone permitted to accompany it into the court of the tabernacle. A Psalm of David. Psalms 24:1-2 , chorus. Psalms 24:3 . First voice. Psalms 24:4-5 . Second voice. Psalms 24:6 . Chorus. Psalms 24:7 . Semi chorus accompanying the ark. Psalms 24:8 . Voice from within the gates. Ps 24:8. Chorus of priests accompanying the ark. Psalms 24:9 . Chorus of priests and people with the ark. Psalms 24:10 . Voice within the gates. Psalms 24:10 . Grand chorus. From "The Psalms, with Prefatory Titles, etc., from the Port Royal Authors", by Mary Anne Schimmelpenninck, 1825.

Whole Psalm. How others may think upon this point, I cannot say, nor pretend to describe, but for my own part, I have no notion of hearing, or of any man's ever having seen or heard, anything so great, so solemn, so celestial, on this side the gates of heaven. Patrick Delany, D.D., 1686-1768.

Verse 1. The earth is the Lord's, that is, Christ's, who is the "Lord of lords" ( Revelation 19:16 ); for the whole world and all the things therein are his by a twofold title. First, by donation of God his Father, having "all power given unto him in heaven and in earth" ( Matthew 28:18 ), even whatsoever things the Father hath are his ( John 16:15 ); and so consequently "made heir of all things." Hebrews 1:2 . Secondly, the earth is Christ's and all that therein is, by right of creation, for "he founded it", saith our prophet, and that after a wonderful manner, "upon the seas and floods."... All things then are Christ's, in respect of creation, by whom "all things were made" ( John 1:3 ); in respect of sustentation, as upholding all things by his mighty word ( Hebrews 1:3 ); in respect of administration, as reaching from one end to another, and ordering all things sweetly ( 8:1 ): in one word -- "Of him, and through him, and to him, are all things." Romans 11:36 . From hence we may learn (1), That Christ is "the King of glory", "Lord of Hosts," even Almighty God. For he that made all, is "Lord over all;" he that is the Creator of heaven and earth is Almighty (saith our Creed); able to do whatsoever he will, and more than he will too -- more by his absolute power, than he will by his actual -- "able to raise up children unto Abraham" out of the very stones of the street, though he doth not actually produce such a generation. His almightiness evidently proves him to be God, and his founding of the world his almightiness; for "The gods that have not made the heaven and earth shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens." Jeremiah 10:11 . (2.) Seeing the compass of the world and all they that dwell therein are the Lord's, it is plain that the church is not confined within the limits of one region, or glued, as it were, to one seat only. The Donatists in old time, would tie the church only to Cartenna in Africa, the Papists in our time to Rome in Italy; but the Scriptures plainly affirm that the golden candlesticks are removed from one place to another, and that the kingdom of God is taken away from one nation and given unto another country that brings forth the fruit thereof; in every region he that feareth God and worketh righteousness is accepted of him. Acts 10:35 . John Boys.

Verse 1. The earth is Jehovah's. The object of the beginning of the Psalm is to show that the Jews had nothing of themselves which could entitle them to approach nearer or more familiarly to God than the Gentiles. As God by his providence preserves the world, the power of his government is alike extended to all, so that he ought to be worshipped by all, even as he also shows to all men, without exception, the fatherly care he has about them. J. Calvin.

Verse 1. The earth is the Lord's. It is Christ's, by creation ( Psalms 24:2 John 1:1-2 ), and it is his by resurrection ( Matthew 28:18 ), and by his glorious ascension into heaven, where he is enthroned King of the world in his human nature. This Psalm takes up the language of the first Ascension Psalm ( Psalms 24:8 .) Christopher Wordsworth, D.D., in loc.

Verse 1. St. Chrysostom, suffering under the Empress Eudoxia, tells his friend Cyriacus how he armed himself before hand: ei me bouletai n basilissa e xorisai me, etc. "I thought, will she banish me? `The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof.' Take away my goods? `Naked came I into the world, and naked must I return.' Will she stone me? I remembered Stephen. Behead me? John Baptist came into my mind," etc. Thus it should be with every one that intends to live and die comfortably: they must, as we say, lay up something for a rainy day; they must stock themselves with graces, store up promises, and furnish themselves with experiences of God's lovingkindness to others and themselves too, that so when the evil day comes, they may have much good coming thereby. John Spencer.

Verse 1. The earth is the Lord's. As David, in his youthful days, was tending his flocks on Bethlehem's fertile plains, the spirit of the Lord descended upon him, and his senses were opened, and his understanding enlightened, so that he could understand the songs of the night. The heavens proclaimed the glory of God, and glittering stars formed the general chorus, their harmonious melody resounded upon earth, and the sweet fulness of their voices vibrated to it utmost bounds.

Light is the countenance of the Eternal, sung the setting sun: "I am the hem of his garment," responded the soft and rosy twilight. The clouds gathered themselves together and said, "We are his nocturnal tent." And the waters in the clouds, and the hollow voices of the thunders, joined in the lofty chorus, "The voice of the Eternal is upon the waters, the God of glory thundereth in the heavens, the Lord is upon many waters."

"He flieth upon my wings", whispered the winds, and the gentle air added, "I am the breath of God, the aspirations of his benign presence." "We hear the songs of praise," said the parched earth; "all around is praise; I alone am sad and silent." Then the falling dew replied, "I will nourish thee, so that thou shalt be refreshed and rejoice, and thy infants shall bloom like the young rose." "Joyfully we bloom", sang the refreshed meads; the full ears of corn waved as they sang, "We are the blessing of God, the hosts of God against famine."

"We bless thee from above", said the gentle moon; "We, too, bless thee," responded the stars; and the lightsome grasshopper chirped, "Me, too, he blesses in the pearly dew drop." "He quenched my thirst", said the roe; "And refreshed me," continued the stag; "And grants us our food", said the beasts of the forest; "And clothes my lambs", gratefully added the sheep.

"He heard me", croaked the raven, "when I was forsaken and alone;" "He heard me", said the wild goat of the rocks, "when my time came, and I brought forth." And the turtle dove cooed, and the swallow and other birds joined the song, "We have found our nests, our houses, we dwell upon the altar of the Lord, and sleep under the shadow of his wing in tranquillity and peace." "And peace", replied the night, and echo prolonged the sound, when chanticleer awoke the dawn, and crowed with joy, "Open the portals, set wide the gates of the world! The King of glory approaches. Awake! Arise, ye sons of men, give praises and thanks unto the Lord, for the King of glory approaches."

The sun arose, and David awoke from his melodious rapture. But as long as he lived the strains of creation's harmony remained in his soul, and daily he recalled them from the strings of his harp. From the "Legend of the Songs of the Night," in the Talmud, quoted in "Biblical Antiquities." By F. A. Cox, D.D., L.L.D., 1852.

Verse 1. The pious mind views all things in God,, and God in all things. Ingram Cobbin, 1839.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 1. The great Proprietor, his estates and his servants, his rights and wrongs.

Verse 1. The earth is the Lord's.

Verse 1. (last clause). All men belong to God. His sons or his subjects, his servants or his serfs, his sheep or his goats, etc.

WORKS WRITTEN ABOUT THE TWENTY-FOURTH PSALM IN SPURGEON'S DAY

In the "Works" of John Boys, 1626, folio, pp. 908-913, there is an Exposition of this Psalm.