Psalms 24:7
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Original Language Analysis
וְֽ֭הִנָּשְׂאוּ
Lift up
H5375
וְֽ֭הִנָּשְׂאוּ
Lift up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 9
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
רָֽאשֵׁיכֶ֗ם
your heads
H7218
רָֽאשֵׁיכֶ֗ם
your heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
3 of 9
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וְֽ֭הִנָּשְׂאוּ
Lift up
H5375
וְֽ֭הִנָּשְׂאוּ
Lift up
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
4 of 9
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
פִּתְחֵ֣י
doors
H6607
פִּתְחֵ֣י
doors
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
5 of 9
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
עוֹלָ֑ם
ye everlasting
H5769
עוֹלָ֑ם
ye everlasting
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
Cross References
Isaiah 26:2Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.Revelation 4:11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.Psalms 97:6The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.1 Corinthians 2:8Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.Haggai 2:7And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.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.1 Kings 8:11So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.2 Samuel 6:17And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.Psalms 132:8Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
Historical Context
This may have been sung when the Ark entered Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6) or during festival processions. The antiphonal question-answer format created liturgical drama, teaching congregants about God's character through participatory worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'gates' in your life need to 'lift up' to welcome the King of glory?
- How does Christ's victorious entry into heaven affect your daily confidence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command to gates—'Lift up your heads, O ye gates'—personifies Jerusalem's entryway, calling them to prepare for the King's arrival. The question 'Who is this King of glory?' creates dramatic anticipation. Reformed theology sees Christ's triumphal entry (Palm Sunday) and His ascension fulfilling this imagery. When Christ enters, all barriers must yield. The repetition in verse 9 emphasizes the importance and certainty of the King's victorious entrance.