Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The repetition of "The LORD" isn't just for emphasis; it highlights that this isn't just any ruler but the divine Creator Himself, actively claiming victory and sovereignty. This King isn't merely strong; He is inherently powerful, and His might is proven through the battles He has already won.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage depicts a grand procession, likely the Ark of the Covenant, approaching the gates of Jerusalem or the Temple. A dialogue unfolds between those outside, demanding entrance for the "King of glory," and perhaps gatekeepers or guards within, questioning the identity of this distinguished guest. The response immediately following this verse reveals the magnificent identity of the one seeking entry: the Lord Himself, powerful and victorious in battle.
Imagine the scene: ancient gates, meant to withstand any siege, are commanded to open. Who dares to demand entry with such authority? This verse captures a dramatic moment of divine revelation.
A Sacred Dialogue
This verse isn't just a statement; it's part of a dialogue, a sacred call and response. Think of it like two choirs, one outside the gates, one within, or perhaps the people and the Levites accompanying the Ark of the Covenant.
This back-and-forth builds incredible anticipation and emphasizes the awe-inspiring power of the One seeking entrance. It's a way of declaring that this isn't just any king, but the supreme Ruler whose might is unmatched.
Why emphasize God's strength and might in battle? This isn't just about His power, but about what that power signifies for His people and His reign.
The Victorious Sovereign
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The repeated titles – "strong and mighty," "mighty in battle" – aren't casual descriptions. They are declarations of God's absolute supremacy and His role as the ultimate victor.
This description sets the stage for His glorious reign, assuring everyone that He is capable of establishing and defending His kingdom.
Understand the original words
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.
This psalm's dramatic, dialogical structure imagines the triumphant procession of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. The 'King of glory' is revealed not just as a powerful warrior, but as the LORD Himself, bringing His presence to His chosen city, a concept deeply resonant after David's conquest and Solomon's Temple.
~1400 BC
Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings
The Israelites are delivered from slavery in Egypt by God's mighty acts, establishing their identity as a people with a powerful, conquering God.
c. 1000 BC
David Captures Jerusalem
King David conquers the Jebusite city of Jerusalem, establishing it as the capital of Israel and bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the city.
c. 960 BC
Solomon Builds the Temple
King Solomon constructs a permanent Temple in Jerusalem to house the Ark of the Covenant, a magnificent dwelling for God's presence.
c. 960 BC— this verse
Dedication of the Temple
The Ark of the Covenant is brought into the newly built Temple with great celebration and ceremony, involving solemn processions and songs of praise.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile much of the population, representing a devastating loss of God's visible presence.
c. 520 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
Following the return from exile, the Jewish people, though fewer in number and grandeur, rebuild the Temple, marking a return of God's presence.
This passage describes God as a warrior, 'The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is his name,' directly echoing the sentiment of God's might in battle from Psalm 24:8.
Joshua 3:11This verse speaks of the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, moving before the people and affirming that the 'LORD of all the earth' is leading them, paralleling the idea of the 'King of glory' entering His domain.
Isaiah 9:6The prophecy of the coming child identifies him as the 'Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,' which aligns with the majestic titles and attributes ascribed to the 'King of glory' in Psalm 24:8.
Zechariah 14:4This prophetic passage describes the Lord standing on the Mount of Olives, indicating His triumphant return and reign, fitting the imagery of a conquering 'King of glory' entering to establish His rule.
Revelation 19:11-16This passage depicts Jesus Christ returning as a triumphant warrior king, 'clothed in a robe dipped in blood,' who will rule with a rod of iron and is called 'King of kings and Lord of lords,' powerfully fulfilling the declaration of Psalm 24:8.
clarkePsalms 24:8: "Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle."
Who is this King of glory? - This is the answer of those who are within. Who is this glorious King, for whom ye demand entrance? To which they reply: - The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle - It is Jehovah, who is come to set up his abode in his imperial city: He who has conquered his enemies, and brought salvation to Israel. To make the matter still more solemn, and give those witho…
wesleyPsalms 24:8: "Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle."
24:8 The Lord - He is no ordinary person, no other than Jehovah, who hath given so many proofs of his almightiness, who hath subdued all his enemies, and is now returned in triumph.
The repetition of "The LORD" isn't just for emphasis; it highlights that this isn't just any ruler but the divine Creator Himself, actively claiming victory and sovereignty. This King isn't merely strong; He is inherently powerful, and His might is proven through the battles He has already won.
This passage depicts a grand procession, likely the Ark of the Covenant, approaching the gates of Jerusalem or the Temple. A dialogue unfolds between those outside, demanding entrance for the "King of glory," and perhaps gatekeepers or guards within, questioning the identity of this distinguished guest. The response immediately following this verse reveals the magnificent identity of the one seeking entry: the Lord Himself, powerful and victorious in battle.
This passage depicts a grand procession, likely the Ark of the Covenant, approaching the gates of Jerusalem or the Temple. A dialogue unfolds between those outside, demanding entrance for the "King of glory," and perhaps gatekeepers or guards within, questioning the identity of this distinguished guest. The response immediately following this verse reveals the magnificent identity of the one seeking entry: the Lord Himself, powerful and victorious in battle.
"Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!" — The repetition of "The LORD" isn't just for emphasis; it highlights that this isn't just any ruler but the divine Creator Himself, actively claiming victory and sovereignty. This King isn't merely st…
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Last reviewed October 2026