1.
The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
Title. A Psalm. See App-65 .
of David = concerning David and the true David. Relates to the entrance of the Ark into Zion (see App-68 ), typifying the coming glory of Hebrews 1:6 . Compare 2 Samuel 6:2 . 1 Chronicles 15:25 .Psalms 68 relates to the setting out of the procession. Psalms 24 to the entrance up to Zion. Psalms 87 to the joy of the entrance with dancings and shouting?. Psalms 105 , for subsequent celebrations of the event.
The earth. Hebrew 'erez, the earth (as created).
the LOBD'S. Hebrew Jehovah's. App-4 . The emphasis is on Jehovah = "Jehovah's is the earth".
the fulness = all that fills it. Quoted in 1 Corinthians 10:26 .
world. Hebrew. tebel, the world (as inhabited).
2.
For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
founded, &c. Compare 2 Peter 3:5 .Psalms 136:6 . Genesis 1:1 .
3.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
the hill = the mountain (of Zion, south of Moriah). Seven times so called: here, and Genesis 22:14 .Numbers 10:33 .Isaiah 2:3 ; Isaiah 30:29 . Micah 4:2 .Zechariah 8:3 . See App-68 .
Or. The Authorized Version, 1611, read "And". Changed in 1769 to Greek.
stand = rise up. Compare Psalms 1:5 .
holy. See note on Exodus 3:5 .
4.
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
clean. Compare Psalms 15 and Exodus 20:13-16 .
soul. Hebrew nephesh. App-13 .
5.
He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
And = Even.
righteousness. The gift received from Jehovah.
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .
6.
This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
This = Such: i.e. not a "new cart" (2 Samuel 6:3 ), but the Kohathites. See Numbers 7:9 ; Numbers 4:2 , Numbers 4:15 .Deuteronomy 10:8 ; Deuteronomy 31:9 , &c; and compare 2 Samuel 6:13 . 1 Chronicles 15:2 .
generation = class or circle. Here, the Kohathites. Compare Psalms 22:30 .
O Jacob. Septuagint and Syriac read "O God of Jacob".
Jacob. See notes on Genesis 32:28 ; Genesis 43:6 ; Genesis 45:26 , Genesis 45:28 .
Selah. Connecting the first triad with the Ark of Jehovah: transferring our thoughts from the general claim to the particular making of the claim by this event. See note on Psalms 24:10 , and App-66 .
7.
Lift up your head, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
everlasting doors = age-abiding entrances. The tabernacle (or tent) of David, on Mount Zion, was not ancient. This looks forward to the fulfilment of prophecy in times yet to come.
King of glory = Glorious king. The repeated question points us both to Psalms 22:6 ("a worm, and no man") and to Psalms 23:1 (The Shepherd).
8.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
9.
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Who = Who then, is He, this glorious King?
The LORD of hosts . See note on first occurrence (1 Samuel 1:3 ) and Structure above.
Selah. Connecting Psalms 25 with Psalms 24 .Psalms 24 referring to Zion, the new place of worship, and Psalms 25 referring to the worship itself, which was to be and could henceforward be offered there. Psalms 24 corresponds with 1 Chronicles 15 , and Psalms 25 with 1 Chronicles 16 , which together give a full description of the worship. Psalms 25 is further emphasised by being an Acrostic Psalm, in which the worthiness of Jehovah and the unworthiness of His worshippers stand out in vivid contrast.