Psalm 24: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 24 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh owns the earth and everything in it, having founded it on the seas and established it on the floods (vv. 1-2). To ascend to Yahweh’s hill and stand in his holy place, a person must have 'clean hands and a pure heart' (v. 4). The one who meets these qualifications will receive a blessing from Yahweh and righteousness from God (v. 5). This represents the generation that seeks Yahweh, searching for his face, as did Jacob (v. 6). The gates are called to lift up their heads, allowing the King of glory to enter (vv. 7-9). The psalmist asks, 'Who is the King of glory?', answering that it is Yahweh, strong and mighty, and Yahweh of Armies (vv. 8-10).

Key verse

“Who may ascend to Yahweh’s hill? Who may stand in his holy place?”
Psalms 24:3 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 24:1–2 God's Sovereignty Over Creation
Psalm 24:3–5 Qualifications for Worship
Psalm 24:6 Seeking God's Face
Psalm 24:7–9 The King of Glory Enters
Psalm 24:10 The Identity of the King

Discussion questions

In verse 1, what does it mean that 'the earth is Yahweh’s'?
In verse 4, what are the qualities of those who may stand in God's holy place?
Verse 6 mentions 'this is the generation': who does it refer to in the context of seeking God?
In verses 9-10, what does calling Yahweh the 'King of glory' imply about His nature?
When have you felt yourself called to 'lift up your heads' in a challenging moment?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 24: Matthew 5, 1 Corinthians 10, Psalm 89.

Before next time: read Psalm 25.