Notes on the Book of Psalms, Psalm 24
The xxiiii. PSALM.
David to invite men into a participation of the sanctifying graces of the spirit, and salvation and glorification by Christ; shews, That though all the world and men in it belong to God, yet with great difference, for though all are his by right of creation, yet hath his special favour of election and calling passed onelyonly upon such as are holy, others are but his creatures, these his sons and daughters, whom he spurs on to enlarge their desires after Christ in the exercise of faith and use of means; and promises both him, and together with him, happines and security to such.
Psalm xxiiii. A Psalm of David.A Psalm made by David.
1THe earth is the Lords, and the fulnes thereof, the world and they that dwell therein.1 THe Lord hath dominion over all the earth, which together with those infinit species and individuals of creatures animate and inanimate that are in it, are all of them his. Yea, the whole world from North to South, and East to West is his, and under his regiment, together with all the inhabitants thereof every where.
2For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the flouds.2 For it is he that hath made all both sea and land, and that hath given an habitable existence and being to the earth above the waters, which he hath placed below it in that great Abysse where the seas remain. By his decree it is thus established over and above the waves and surges of the sea, which else would soon surmount it.
3Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? and who shall stand in his holy place.3 But though all the world be the Lords in common right of creation; yet who are they that are his redeemed ones in special relation? that have the honour and priviledge to be peculiarly elected, and called out of the world to worship and serve him here, and to be glorified of him hereafter (like as in type we are, being his peculiar and chosen people, who of all the world are priviledged with his sanctuarie which we frequent, and where we worship him upon mount Sion the figure of heaven.)
4 Why,4He that hath clean hands and a pure heart; who hath not lift up his soul unto vanitie, nor sworn deceitfully. onelyonly he that is holy and upright, whose conversation and affections are changed from the corrupt course of the world, in obedience and love to God purifying his heart from inward concupiscences, and leading his life unblameably. Who hath not either committed impietie, in trusting in vain confidences, or worshipping vain idols instead of the true God; or iniquitie, in swearing falsely to the wronging of truth or equitie.
5 Such an one is and shall be blessed of the Lord with his grace and favour,5He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousnes from the God of his salvation. and shall partake the righteous reward of his holy walking at the hands of God, who hath thereby ordained him unto salvation and glorification▪
6 These are the peculiar people and children of God chosen out of the world,6This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face O Jacob. Selah. that do thus truly and sincerely set themselves to worship him. Yea, amongst Israel it self also there are none that are truly, that is, spiritually, the children of holy Jacob, that in this wise walk not in his steps sincerely, serving and worshipping the God of Jacob. These are onelyonly the blessed people of a blessed God.
7 Ye that are thus the living Temples of the Lord,7Lift up your heads, O ye gates …d be ye lift up ye everlasting doors, and the King of glorie shall come in. and have already entertained his sanctifying spirit into you, do you lift up your hearts in the use of holy ordinances through faith in joyful desires and assured expectation of him; yea, be you abundantly lift up by faith in the use of holy means, who are the everlasting habitation of an everlasting God, with a joyful and assured welcome of him; for so shall you invite and undoubtedly entertain the high and mightie potentate, the Lord Christ into your souls, with the glorious manifestation and ravishing operation of his love, benefits, and graces.
8Who is this King of glorie? the Lord strong and mightie, the Lord mightie in battel.8 And know, O all ye faithful and obedient ones for your courage and comfort, who, and of what qualitie, this glorious King the Lord Jesus is, whom the world despises but you honour. Why, he is the Almighty God, of power all-sufficient to preserve and defend his people and Church, that in trust of him do love and serve him, against all the strength and power of men, and devils that do or shall malign or oppose themselves against them, and to put them to the foil, as we his Israel in the letter have found by experience for your instruction and corroboration that are his people in Spirit.
9Lift up your heads O ye gates, even lift them up ye everlasting doors, and the King of glorie shall come in.9, 10 See the seventh and eigth verses foregoing. These being a repetition tending to amplification, for further assurance of what is there promised, and ratified with a Selah for the incouragement of the Godly.10Who is this King of glorie? the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glorie. Selah.