THURSDAY, JULY 26
Psalm 24:1-10
2 Samuel 6:1-23

“It is better to trust in the LORD …”

CLEAN HANDS AND PURE HEART

Psalm 24 was probably composed for bringing the Ark to Jerusalem from Obed-edom’s house. The words of jubilation suit well the sacred dance of joy in which David led the congregation upon that joyous occasion. While this Psalm is complementary to Psalm 15, it also forms a trilogy with Psalms 22 and 23. In this trilogy we see a cross in Psalm 22, a crook in Psalm 23 and a crown in Psalm 24.

Spurgeon divides this Psalm into three parts. The first glorifies the true God, and sings of His universal dominion. The second describes the true Israel, who are able to commune with Him. The third pictures the ascent of the true Redeemer, who has opened heaven’s gates for His elect.

In Section 1, we see that God is God of the Jews and the Gentiles too. “The meanest of men is a dweller in the world [He has made], and therefore belongs to Jehovah ... There is neither barbarian, Scythian, bond not free; but we are all one in Jesus Christ.” The fullness of the earth surely includes its harvests/wealth and God is the Possessor of all. He nourishes all.

In Section 2 we have the true Israel described. The men who are to stand in the palace of the living God are not distinguished by race but by character. Jew or Gentile, they must be a cleansed people. God has made all, but He will save only a portion who are purified to dwell with Him. Clean hands and pure heart speak of holiness both outward and inward. And a saint is a man of honour, whose word is his only oath. False speaking will shut a man out of heaven. Beware of making a false declaration and slander.

Section 3 reveals to us the great representative Man, who answers to the full character laid down, who by His own right ascends the holy hill of Zion. See our Lord rising from among the little group upon Olivet and as the cloud receives Him, angels escort Him to the gates of heaven!

THOUGHT: (Read Psalm 19:12.)
PRAYER: May my chief end be to glorify Thee with my life, my all.