September 17, 2006 | Author: Steven Hovater

See His Majesty, and Bow to Him

“Who is he, this king of glory? 

The LORD Almighty—

He is the king of Glory.”

Psalm 24:10

Background

This Psalm might be characterized in a number of different ways, but one of the most useful designations may be to think of it as a “naming” Psalm, giving the identity of Israel’s God and describing who this God is.  A couple of key observations will help us as we read the Psalm. 

First, remember that this Psalm, like most of the biblical literature of Israel, arises in the midst of polytheism, the belief in multiple divine beings.  This Psalm, and others might be seen as an answer to those other cultures who can be imagined as saying, “So, Israel, which god is your god?” 

Secondly,  it might help to remember that “the LORD”, when written in all capital letters as it appears here in this Psalm, is the way the English translations usually denote that the word being rendered is the proper name of God, Yahweh.  (They print it as “the LORD” as a way of giving the name its proper respect.  This is a way of continuing the ancient Jewish tradition of not even speaking the name aloud).  Understanding gives the reading of this Psalm a particular flavor, as it is pointing out that Israel’s God, Yahweh, is the one to whom the earth belongs, who is strong and mighty in battle. 

Read Psalm 24

Read the entire Psalm aloud.  Remember that every time you hear  “the LORD” it represents the special name of God. 

Discussion

1.   What kinds of things does this Psalm tell us about God? 

2.  In particular, in the face of a culture that believes in many different gods, what does this Psalm say about Israel’s God? 

3. This Psalm notes that everything and everyone in the world belong to the Lord.  What are some of the implications of that for those of us who act on behalf of the Lord?

4.  What does this Psalm have to say about the possibility of a relationship with God?  In particular, what does it say about who has access to such relationship, and the benefits of having the Lord as your God?  How might we compare what is said in this Psalm with Psalm 2?

5. This Psalm refers to the “generation of those who seek your face.”  What does it mean to be a generation that seeks the face of God?

6.  This Psalm is heavy with parallel lines, a poetic tool that uses two very similar phrases to say essentially the same thing, while giving the concept a subtle nuance.  Which pairs of parallels can you see in the text? 

Pictures

The Psalms give us many poetic descriptions, helping our imagination see God.  In this Psalm, note the imagery of the last four verses, where God is seen as a mighty king, entering his throne room. 

What other pictures do you see?

Class Wrap-Up

Spend the last five minutes of class in spontaneous worship to the God who is Good! Read scripture, pray and sing together to celebrate the majesty of the God of Jacob, whom we have made our God.

Assignment

This week, let the first verse of Psalm 24 resonate through your mind as you live.  As you go about your day, note continually about the things you see, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”  Perhaps you can come back next week with some ideas about how that concept changes the way you look at the world.