Psalm 24 can be divided into three sections:
1) The Lordship of Jesus (vv.1–2); 2) The Faithfulness of Jesus (vv.3–6); 3) The Glory of Jesus (vv.7–10). After highlighting the sovereignty of Jesus as the Creator (vv.1–2), David asks “Who shall ascend the holy mountain of the Lord?” Historically, this psalm is considered a “gate liturgy” which would have been recited as pilgrims entered into Jerusalem (which was always understood as making an ascent upon the Lord’s mountain). The question for who shall ascend the holy mountain of the Lord, is asking who is worthy, righteous, and pure to approach the divine King in his kingdom. This can be understood theologically as, “Who is worthy to be in God’s presence?”

The psalm then answers with, “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully” (v.4). In light of the Gospel and the Scriptures, the only person who is worthy and righteous and pure to enter the presence of God, is the faithful Son, Jesus Christ, who “receives blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation” (v.5). And it is only his faithfulness on our behalf, that we too can ascend the mountain––to be saved from sin and death, and saved to live righteous lives that brings him glory: “Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob” (v.6). The last section is an invitation to embrace Jesus as our king and live for his glory (v.7–10).

The primary pitfall to this passage could be a misunderstanding that we must have clean hands and a pure heart to earn our place with God. This is why reading the Psalm in light of Jesus is so helpful, because he is the only one who is able! The fact that “such is the generation who seek him” is an invitation to be among those who follow Jesus and live for his glory. Another pitfall could be getting hung up on some of the imagery of the “ancient doors” and the personification of “gates.”