The verse personifies the ancient, imposing gates and doors, commanding them to lift their "heads" and open wide. This isn't just about physical barriers yielding, but a powerful image of imposing structures of power or history bowing to acknowledge and make way for the supreme "King of glory."
Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is set during a triumphant procession, likely the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem for the first time after its capture by David. As the Ark, representing God's presence and glory, approaches the city gates and the sanctuary, the psalm shifts into a majestic command for these ancient portals to open wide. The verses following this one will then build on this dramatic entrance by answering the call, proclaiming who this "King of glory" truly is: the mighty Lord of hosts.
Imagine an unstoppable procession approaching ancient, imposing gates. Who is this King that demands such a grand welcome?
A Royal Welcome
This verse is a dramatic call for a grand entrance. It's not just any visitor; it's the "King of glory"! Think of it like a royal parade, but instead of a king on a horse, it's God's presence, symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant, coming into the city of Jerusalem.
The gates and doors are personified, told to "lift up their heads" and "be lifted up." This isn't just about opening; it's about an emphatic, awe-inspired welcome. The ancient doors, perhaps made of heavy wood or even featuring a portcullis (a heavy metal gate that slides down), are commanded to rise as high as possible. This signifies that no obstacle, no resistance, is fitting for the presence of God.
The Ark and God's Presence
At this time, the Ark of the Covenant was the ultimate symbol of God's presence among His people. When it entered the city, it was like God Himself was arriving. The "King of glory" is God in His majestic, triumphant power. The commentators suggest this is about the Ark being brought into Jerusalem, possibly by King David, to its new resting place. It's a moment of immense national and spiritual significance, celebrating God's victory and His continued dwelling with Israel.
The gates are commanded to open, but who is this King that commands such respect and power?
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Beyond a Human King
The title "King of glory" immediately sets this King apart from any earthly ruler. He is described as "Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle" (as seen in verses 8 and 10, which directly follow this command). This isn't just a political king; it's the all-powerful Creator and Sovereign Lord.
A Symbol of Triumph and Presence
When the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence and victory, is brought into Zion, it's a declaration that God Himself, the ultimate victor, is taking up residence. He is the one who has conquered, who sustains, and who blesses. The repetition in the following verses emphasizes this: "Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory." It’s a rhetorical question designed to make listeners ponder and affirm God's supreme majesty and power.
These ancient doors are commanded to open. But what does this mean for us today, when we can't physically open gates?
More Than a Ceremony
While this psalm vividly describes a historical event – the Ark entering Jerusalem – it also carries profound spiritual meaning for believers across time. The "gates" and "doors" can be seen as symbolic of our hearts and the church community.
Opening Our Hearts
Just as the ancient gates needed to be opened wide for the King of glory, our hearts and our communities must be open and ready to receive Him. This isn't a passive event; it requires an active "lifting up." It means removing barriers like pride, sin, or indifference that would keep us from fully experiencing God's presence.
The commentators note that this can represent Christ's entrance into our hearts, or even His ascension into heaven. The call is timeless: be ready, be receptive, and welcome the glorious presence of God into every area of your life and into the gathered worship of His people.
Understand the original words
ša‘ar · Hebrew Noun
Often refers to the entry points of a city or the temple, symbolically representing the threshold of God's dwelling place. They are called to 'lift up' or open wide to receive the majesty of God.
‘ôlām · Hebrew Adjective
Describes the enduring, eternal nature of God's habitation, suggesting that God’s presence precedes human history and remains constant throughout time.
kābôd · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the manifestation of God’s essential nature, weightiness, radiance, and supreme excellence. It is the visible display of His divine majesty.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God (Yahweh), revealing His faithfulness, holiness, and active presence in human history.
gibbôr · Hebrew Adjective
Indicates that God is powerful, victorious, and possesses the authority to overcome all enemies; He is the ultimate Warrior for His people.
ṣābā’ · Hebrew Noun
A title emphasizing God as the Commander of the vast heavenly armies, highlighting His supreme authority over all creation, both seen and unseen.
While Psalm 24:7 can be understood as describing the triumphant entry of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem under David, its language of 'everlasting doors' and 'King of glory' also echoes through Israel's history, pointing forward to the permanent Temple built by Solomon and even resonating with New Testament themes of Christ's ascension.
c. 1040 BC— this verse
David brings Ark of Covenant to Jerusalem
King David, after capturing Jerusalem from the Jebusites, brings the Ark of the Covenant to the newly established capital city. This event is central to Psalm 24, which celebrates God's presence entering Zion.
c. 1010 BC
Solomon begins building the Temple
David's son, Solomon, begins construction of the First Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, fulfilling David's desire to house the Ark in a permanent sanctuary.
c. 1006 BC
Ark placed in Solomon's Temple
The Ark of the Covenant is finally placed in the Most Holy Place of Solomon's Temple. This signifies God's permanent dwelling among His people in Jerusalem.
586 BC
Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and carry the Ark of the Covenant away into exile. This event marks the departure of God's visible glory from the city.
c. 520-515 BC
Second Temple completed
After the return from Babylonian exile, the Second Temple is completed. However, the Ark of the Covenant is notably absent from its sanctuary.
This passage describes the 'Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us,' which parallels the concept of God's glory coming to dwell among His people, as depicted in Psalm 24:7 with the King of Glory entering.
1 Samuel 4:21-22This passage recounts the departure of God's glory from Israel when the Ark was captured, highlighting the significance of the Ark as the symbol of God's presence and glory, making the return of the 'King of Glory' in Psalm 24:7 a powerful moment of restoration.
Ephesians 1:20-23This New Testament passage speaks of God raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, showing Him as the supreme 'King of Glory' far above all rule and authority, fulfilling the ancient anticipation of Psalm 24:7.
2 Samuel 6:12-14This passage describes David bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem with celebration, mirroring the triumphal procession of the 'King of Glory' and the lifting of gates in Psalm 24:7 as the symbol of God's presence is brought to its intended dwelling.
Revelation 21:1-4This prophetic vision of the new heaven and new earth, where God dwells with humanity and wipes away every tear, echoes the ultimate fulfillment of the King of Glory establishing His eternal dwelling place among His people, a grander vision than the earthly tabernacle of Psalm 24:7.
ellicottPsalms 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."
(7) Gates. —The LXX. and Vulgate miss this fine personification, by rendering “princes” instead of “heads.” “Lift up your gates, O princes.” The sacrifice of the poetry to antiquarianism, by introducing the idea of a “portcullis,” is little less excusable. The poet deems the ancient gateways of the conquered castle far too low for the dignity of the approaching Monarch, a…
calvinPsalms 24:7-10: "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in."
- Lift up your heads, O ye gates! and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors! and the King of glory shall enter in. 8. Who is this King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle. 9. Lift up your heads, O ye gates! Be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors! and the King of glory shall enter in. 10. Who is this King of glory? Jehovah of hosts, he is the K…
The verse personifies the ancient, imposing gates and doors, commanding them to lift their "heads" and open wide. This isn't just about physical barriers yielding, but a powerful image of imposing structures of power or history bowing to acknowledge and make way for the supreme "King of glory."
This psalm is set during a triumphant procession, likely the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem for the first time after its capture by David. As the Ark, representing God's presence and glory, approaches the city gates and the sanctuary, the psalm shifts into a majestic command for these ancient portals to open wide. The verses following this one will then build on this dramatic entrance by answering the call, proclaiming who this "King of glory" truly is: the mighty Lord of hosts.
This psalm is set during a triumphant procession, likely the bringing of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem for the first time after its capture by David. As the Ark, representing God's presence and glory, approaches the city gates and the sanctuary, the psalm shifts into a majestic command for these ancient portals to open wide. The verses following this one will then build on this dramatic entrance by answering the call, proclaiming who this "King of glory" truly is: the mighty Lord of hosts.
"Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O g…" — The verse personifies the ancient, imposing gates and doors, commanding them to lift their "heads" and open wide. This isn't just about physical barriers yielding, but a powerful image of imposing st…
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Last reviewed October 2026
