Psalms 24:3
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
Original Language Analysis
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
Who shall ascend
H5927
יַעֲלֶ֥ה
Who shall ascend
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
2 of 8
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
בְהַר
into the hill
H2022
בְהַר
into the hill
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
3 of 8
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּמִי
H4310
וּמִי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יָ֝קוּם
or who shall stand
H6965
יָ֝קוּם
or who shall stand
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
6 of 8
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Cross References
Psalms 15:1LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?Hebrews 12:28Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:Psalms 65:4Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.Psalms 2:6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.Malachi 3:1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.Psalms 68:18Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.Leviticus 10:3Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.1 Chronicles 15:1And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.John 20:17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.John 13:36Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
Historical Context
Pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for festivals would sing this psalm. The question created anticipation and self-examination, preparing worshipers to enter God's presence with proper reverence and awareness of holiness requirements.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the question 'who shall ascend' teach about the holiness required for worship?
- How does Christ's ascension enable your access to God's presence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The question 'Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?' addresses prerequisites for worship. The 'hill of the LORD' (Mount Zion) represents God's presence. This rhetorical question anticipates the answer in verse 4, establishing that worship requires moral qualification. From a Reformed perspective, this verse raises the problem that Psalm 15 also addresses: who is righteous enough to enter God's presence? The ultimate answer is Christ, who ascended as our representative and now brings us with Him (Eph. 2:6).