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Psalms 24:3
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Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The form of a question gives vivacity. Hands, tongue, and heart are organs of action, speech, and feeling, which compose character. hill of the Lord--(compare Psa 2:6, &c.). His Church--the true or invisible, as typified by the earthly sanctuary.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?.... Though the Lord has a claim in general to the whole world, and all its fulness; yet there is a particular part of it, or spot in it, which is his special and peculiar property, and that is his church and people; for though some reference may be had, in this passage, to Mount Moriah, and the hill of Zion, on which the temple was afterwards built, and is called the hill of the Lord, where he desired to dwell, Psa 68:15; yet the church is mystically intended, and is so called on account of its visibility, through a profession of faith in Christ, and for its immovableness, being built on him; and who shall stand in his holy place? the same with the hill of the Lord; the temple being to be built upon it, where the Lord took up his residence, and was worshipped, and holiness becomes the house of God for evermore: the import of these questions is, who is a proper person to be an inhabitant of Zion, or a member of a Gospel church? and the answer to them is in Psa 24:4, in which is a description much like that which is given of one hundred forty and four thousand seen with the Lamb on Mount Zion, Rev 14:1; compare with this verse.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
From this world, and the fulness thereof, the psalmist's meditations rise, of a sudden to the great things of another world, the foundation of which is not on the seas, nor on the floods. The things of this world God has given to the children of men and we are much indebted to his providence for them; but they will not make a portion for us. And therefore, I. Here is an enquiry after better things, Psa 24:3. This earth is God's footstool; but, if we had ever so much of it, we must be here but a while, must shortly go hence, and Who then shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Who shall go to heaven hereafter, and, as an earnest of that, shall have communion with God in holy ordinances now? A soul that knows and considers its own nature, origin, and immortality, when it has viewed the earth and the fulness thereof, will sit down unsatisfied; there is not found among all the creatures a help meet for man, and therefore it will think of ascending towards God, towards heaven, will ask, "What shall I do to rise to that high place, that hill, where the Lord dwells and manifests himself, that I may be acquainted with him, and to abide in that happy holy place where he meets his people and makes them holy and happy? What shall I do that I may be of those whom God owns for his peculiar people and who are his in another manner than the earth is his and its fulness?" This question is much the same with that, Psa 15:1. The hill of Zion on which the temple was built typified the church, both visible and invisible. When the people attended the ark to its holy place David puts them in mind that these were but patterns of heavenly things, and therefore that by them they should be led to consider the heavenly things themselves. II. An answer to this enquiry, in which we have, 1. The properties of God's peculiar people, who shall have communion with him in grace and glory. (1.) They are such as keep themselves from all the gross acts of sin. They have clean hands; not spotted with the pollutions of the world and the flesh. None that were ceremonially unclean might enter into the mountain of the temple, which signified that cleanness of conversation which is required in all those that have fellowship with God. The hands lifted up in prayer must be pure hands, no blot of unjust gain cleaving to them, nor any thing else that defiles the man and is offensive to the holy God. (2.) They are such as make conscience of being really (that is, of being inwardly) as good as they seem to be outwardly. They have pure hearts. We make nothing of our religion if we do not make heart-work of it. It is not enough that our hands be clean before men, but we must also wash our hearts from wickedness, and not allow ourselves in any secret heart-impurities, which are open before the eye of God. Yet in vain do those pretend to have pure and good hearts whose hands are defiled with the acts of sin. That is a pure heart which is sincere and without guile in covenanting with God, which is carefully guarded, that the wicked one, the unclean spirit, touch it not, which is purified by faith, and conformed to the image and will of God; see Mat 5:8. (3.) They are such as do not set their affections upon the things of this world, do not lift up their souls unto vanity, whose hearts are not carried out inordinately towards the wealth of this world, the praise of men, or the delights of sense, who do not choose these things for their portion, nor reach forth after them, because they believe them to be vanity, uncertain and unsatisfying. (4.) They are such as deal honestly both with God and man. In their covenant with God, and their contracts with men, they have not sworn deceitfully, nor broken their promises, violated their engagements, nor taken any false oath. Those that have no regard to the obligations of truth or the honour of God's name are unfit for a place in God's holy hill. (5.) They are a praying people (Psa 24:6): This is the generation of those that seek him. In every age there is a remnant of such as these, men of this character, who are accounted to the Lord for a generation, Psa 22:30. And they are such as seek God, that seek they face, O Jacob! [1.] They join themselves to God, to seek him, not only in earnest prayer, but in serious endeavours to obtain his favour and keep themselves in his love. Having made it the summit of their happiness, they make it the summit of their ambition to be accepted of him, and therefore take care and pains to approve themselves to him. It is to the hill of the Lord that we must ascend, and, the way being up-hill, we have need to put forth ourselves to the utmost, as those that seek diligently. [2.] They join themselves to the people of God, to seek God with them. Being brought into communion with God, they come into communion of saints; conforming to the patterns of the saints that have gone before (so some understand this), they seek God's face, as Jacob (so some), who was therefore surnamed Israel, because he wrestled with God and prevailed, sought him and found him; and, associating with the saints of their own day, they shall court the favour of God's church (Rev 3:9), shall be glad of an acquaintance with God's people (Zac 8:23), shall incorporate themselves with them, and, when they subscribe with their hands to the Lord, shall call themselves by the name of Jacob, Isa 44:5. As soon as ever Paul was converted he joined himself to the disciples, Act 9:26. They shall seek God's face in Jacob (so some), that is, in the assemblies of his people. Thy face, O God of Jacob! so our margin supplies it, and makes it easy. As all believers are the spiritual seed of Abraham, so all that strive in prayer are the spiritual seed of Jacob, to whom God never said, Seek you me in vain. 2. The privileges of God's peculiar people, Psa 24:5. They shall be made truly and for ever happy. (1.) They shall be blessed: they shall receive the blessing from the Lord, all the fruits and gifts of God's favour, according to his promise; and those whom God blesses are blessed indeed, for it is his prerogative to command the blessing. (2.) They shall be justified and sanctified. These are the spiritual blessings in heavenly things which they shall receive, even righteousness, the very thing they hunger and thirst after, Mat 5:6. Righteousness is blessedness, and it is from God only that we must expect it, for we have no righteousness of our own. They shall receive the reward of their righteousness (so some), the crown of righteousness which the righteous Judge shall give, Ti2 4:8. (3.) They shall be saved; for God himself will be the God of their salvation. Note, Where God gives righteousness he certainly designs salvation. Those that are made meet for heaven shall be brought safely to heaven, and then they will find what they have been seeking, to their endless satisfaction.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
24:3-6 The citizens of the King’s realm include all who seek him. The Lord invites them to enter his presence. 24:3 These questions invite readers to look away from their problems with the wicked and to examine themselves (see 15:1). • God’s holy place is the holy mountain, a reference both to Jerusalem and to heaven.
Psalms 24:3
The Earth Is the LORD’s
2For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. 3Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? 4He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Sin of Going to Church Unprepared
By David Wilkerson5.2K1:10:33EXO 25:8PSA 24:3PRO 4:23MAT 6:33LUK 6:451CO 12:18JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a supportive church community in order to overcome sin and achieve victory in life. He encourages individuals to seek help from God's people and to recognize that they are all connected as one body. The preacher also addresses the need for self-reflection and asks the congregation to pray for God to reveal their blind spots and areas of anger. He warns against being deceived by false teachings and emphasizes the importance of preparing one's heart and creating a habitation for God's presence.
God Indwelling Us
By Duncan Campbell5.1K1:02:54Christ In UsPSA 24:3JHN 14:6In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the transformative power of Calvary and the change it brings about in people's lives. He emphasizes the mercy and love of God, who has the ability to bring the dead to life through Christ. The speaker encourages the audience to have a personal and intimate relationship with God, where Jesus becomes the most important person in their lives. He warns against being deceived by false appearances and urges the listeners to examine their hearts and prioritize their relationship with God over external religious practices.
The Pastor's Wife
By Sabina Wurmbrand1.9K24:32PSA 24:3In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being imprisoned for 14 years under communism. They describe the hardships and challenges faced in prison, including hunger, longing, and mockery. Despite the difficult circumstances, the speaker finds strength and comfort in their faith in Jesus. They emphasize the importance of choosing to set Jesus free in every moment of our lives and how even in the darkest moments, Jesus reveals his beauty and provides strength to his followers.
Self-Denial and Discipleship
By John Murray1.9K48:02Self-DenialPSA 24:3MAT 5:29MAT 6:33MAT 16:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honoring God and not compromising on His demands. He highlights the need for justice and honor in our lives, and warns against following sinful ways. The preacher also emphasizes the honesty and truthfulness of Jesus and how we should strive to emulate that in our own lives. The sermon is based on the Gospel of Matthew, specifically chapter 16 verse 24, where Jesus speaks about the coming judgment and the rewards that will be given according to one's actions.
The Disruptive Theology of Revival
By Sammy Tippit1.8K40:38PSA 24:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of preparation for revival, focusing on the need for truth rooted in God's Word, clean hands in relationships, and a pure heart seeking the King of Glory. It highlights the significance of seeking God for who He is, repentance, humility, and a genuine desire for revival, emphasizing the sovereignty and holiness of God as essential for experiencing true revival.
Span-14 Paul on Mar's Hill
By Art Katz1.6K45:41Mar's HillPSA 24:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a lifestyle consistent with one's beliefs. He challenges the audience to examine whether they truly believe that the purpose of human existence is to believe in God and repent. The speaker also highlights the urgency of the message, stating that God is commanding all people to repent and that there will be a day of judgment. He shares the example of the apostle Paul, who preached the word of God with conviction and lived in a way that reflected his belief in the last days. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the audience to be sealed together with the faithful witnesses who have gone before them.
Gareth Evans - Broken Before the Throne 2010
By Gareth Evans1.5K1:27:39EXO 33:21PSA 24:3This sermon emphasizes the need for personal repentance, purity of heart, and a deep desire to see God's glory. It calls for individuals to come to the cross, stand upon the rock of Christ, and prepare themselves to present before God. The message highlights the importance of humility, brokenness, and seeking God's presence for revival in the church and the nation.
Entering Into the Holy Place
By Ralph Sutera1.2K35:56Holy PlacePSA 24:1PSA 24:3ACT 3:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's prime consideration in sending Jesus Christ to the world was to bless humanity. The preacher highlights that God wants us to experience a life of joy, dynamism, and vibrancy by surrendering our lives to Him. However, there are conditions for receiving God's blessings, including having clean hands, a pure heart, and not engaging in vanity or deceit. The sermon emphasizes that God desires to be the sovereign owner of everything in our lives, both now and in eternity, and encourages listeners to allow Jesus Christ to have complete control over their lives.
Seeking the Lost
By Rolfe Barnard1.1K56:39Lost PeoplePSA 24:3ACT 17:27EPH 2:10In this sermon, the preacher expresses gratitude for the visitors from other churches and acknowledges the need for consistent attendance to fully understand his message. He emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the claims and demands of God in Jesus Christ in every sermon. The preacher mentions that God will not lose a single person He has promised to save and that salvation is in the hands of a redeeming God. He urges the audience to seek the Lord and emphasizes the role of faith in finding Him. The preacher also acknowledges the challenges of preaching the unadulterated Word of God in a society that may not always be receptive, but expresses hope for a revival.
Revival Hymn (Macedonian)
By Compilations1.1K34:08PSA 24:3ISA 52:1EPH 5:14This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to awaken from spiritual slumber and embrace a life of true surrender and obedience to God. It challenges believers to move beyond a self-centered faith focused on personal happiness to a Christ-centered life that seeks to bring glory to God. The speaker highlights the importance of genuine repentance, sacrificial service, and complete surrender to God's will, urging listeners to abandon utilitarian Christianity and instead focus on glorifying God in all aspects of their lives.
The Pure Heart #2
By Milton Green1.1K49:22GEN 1:26PSA 24:3This sermon delves into the importance of having a pure heart and resisting the temptations of the world, drawing parallels between Adam's innocence and the need for believers to return to a state of purity. It emphasizes the significance of choosing to walk in the divine nature, resisting the deeds of darkness, and being led by the Spirit of God to overcome sin and rebellion. The sermon also highlights the dangers of false teachings, the need to discern between true and counterfeit spiritual manifestations, and the importance of coming to God with a wholehearted commitment.
Revival Stories: Duncan Campbell
By E.A. Johnston85321:28BiographyPSA 24:3The video mentioned in the sermon transcript is described as a powerful depiction of the Lewis Revival, a true move of grace where churches were turned upside down, lives were changed, and communities were transformed. The preacher acknowledges that it is difficult to find someone who has actually witnessed a heaven-sent revival in recent times. He challenges other preachers who claim revival under their preaching, stating that if the people remain unchanged after their visit, it cannot be considered a true move of God. The video also highlights the importance of fervent prayer and faithfulness in seeking revival, as demonstrated by a group of Deacons who prayed in desperation for months and a young Deacon who questioned his own spiritual state.
What Manner of Persons Ought Ye to Be
By Leonard Sankey82900:00PSA 24:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency of the current hour and the need for holy and pious lives. He reminds the audience that while we may face pressures and challenges, God remains in control and unchanging. The speaker references Peter's question about what kind of people we should be in these latter days, highlighting the importance of clean hands and a pure heart. He also shares a story about two sisters who prayed for revival on their island, leading to a group of men praying fervently and experiencing a breakthrough when they examined their own hearts and sought forgiveness.
Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?
By Erlo Stegen7221:13:33HolinessPSA 24:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of conquering in the name of the Lord in order to overcome the difficulties of the world. The speaker encourages the audience to confess all their known sins and deal with anything doubtful in their lives. They highlight the need to open their hearts, hands, and lips to allow the King of Glory to come in. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of immediate obedience when the Lord speaks, and the necessity of being effective vessels through whom God can work, leading others to Christ.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
By David Ford6781:01:43Love Of GodPSA 22:1PSA 23:1PSA 24:3In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Jesus turning water into wine in John chapter 2. He encourages listeners who may feel like their best years are behind them to trust in God's sovereignty and believe that they may be on the verge of the greatest chapter of their lives. The preacher emphasizes the importance of finding peace in the midst of life's storms and highlights the story of a young boy who had lost his family but still had faith in Jesus. He also discusses the need for revival in America and the importance of delivering messages from the throne of God rather than just giving talks. The preacher concludes by discussing the concept of grace and how it is the undeserved activity of God in our lives, enabling us to walk in dependence on Jesus and experience His transforming power.
49 - Personal Preparing to Be a Missionary to North Korea
By Ben Torrey67608:40North KoreaPSA 24:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of preparation for the opening of North Korea. They emphasize the need for Christians to research and understand the culture and society of North Korea in order to effectively share the gospel. The speaker also highlights the spiritual battle that will be faced in this mission and the necessity of having a clean heart and living a holy life. They encourage seeking the Holy Spirit and becoming skilled in exercising the gifts given by the Spirit. Lastly, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being part of a local church and connecting with others who share a burden for North Korea to pray and seek God's guidance together.
Luke 2:25-32
By Todd Atkinson52242:18AdventPSA 24:3LUK 2:25In this sermon, the speaker begins by inviting the audience to a simple evening gathering and potluck, emphasizing the importance of building connections and relationships. The sermon then focuses on the reading from the Gospel of Luke, specifically the story of Simeon. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before his death. Moved by the Holy Spirit, Simeon goes to the temple and takes the baby Jesus in his arms, praising God for fulfilling the promise. The sermon highlights the importance of waiting patiently for God's promises, recognizing both the big and small signs of His presence, and being part of a community that celebrates and supports one another.
Revival God's Way
By Edgar Reich46148:53PSA 24:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, surrender, and living a life free from hidden sins in order to experience true revival God's way. It highlights the need for personal revival before corporate revival, the impact of secret sins on individuals, families, churches, and nations, and the call to follow Jesus, deny self, and do the will of the Father. The message urges believers to believe in their freedom in Christ, run to Jesus for victory, and live a life of repentance and obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The Challenge of Revival
By Mark D. Partin36233:53RevivalPSA 24:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of maintaining lines of separation and pursuing holiness and righteousness in our churches. He emphasizes that there should be clear marks of distinction between believers and the world. The preacher uses the example of Nehemiah, who prayed and fasted for four months before taking action to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He highlights the need for seeking God's guidance and anointing before embarking on any mission. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of personal purity and right relationship with God in order to be effective agents of revival.
When the Fire Fades
By Shane Idleman1515:06The Presence of GodHoliness and PurityPSA 24:3Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of maintaining the fire of God's presence in our lives, urging believers to cultivate a deep hunger for God. He reflects on the Old Testament's symbolism of fire as a reminder of God's presence and challenges the congregation to examine their relationship with God, highlighting that holiness and purity are essential for experiencing His divine presence. Idleman encourages a return to a lifestyle of worship, prayer, and humility, asserting that true strength lies in being broken before God. He calls for repentance and a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, reminding everyone that God's presence is a gift that requires our active pursuit and surrender.
Fighting for the Faith Against an Undercover Enemy
By Timothy Tow0DEU 18:11PSA 12:6PSA 24:3EPH 6:121TI 6:122TI 4:71PE 5:8JUD 1:3Timothy Tow emphasizes the importance of defending the Gospel against false agents of the Truth, highlighting the duty of Church leaders to combat false teachings and uphold the Word of God. He commends the work of Revelation Daniel Ebert III in exposing deceptive ideologies and defending the faith through his writings. The sermon warns against the proliferation of Bible translations based on corrupt texts and advocates for the use of the King James Bible, rooted in the time-honored Textus Receptus. Timothy Tow underscores the necessity for believers to have clean hands and a pure heart to handle sacred Scripture, exposing the questionable character and beliefs of Westcott and Hort, who tampered with the Bible's integrity.
Where Is the Mocker? — Unique Service at Seacombe.
By Gwilym Hughes0PSA 24:3PSA 51:10PRO 28:13JAS 4:81JN 1:9Gwilym Hughes preaches at a unique service in Seacombe, where the Welsh revivalist, Mr. Evan Roberts, addresses a fervent congregation with a message of repentance and consecration. Roberts challenges the attendees to confront their past sins and urges them to seek cleansing and purification from God. He calls out mockers and skeptics, emphasizing the importance of true worship and sincerity in prayer. The service culminates in a powerful address on the need for more consecration and dedication in the Christian life, leading to moments of confession, prayer, and worship.
The Holy Place (Psalm Xxiv. 3, 4)
By Seth Rees0EST 4:16PSA 24:3PSA 91:12CO 6:17PHP 4:19JAS 4:8Seth Rees preaches on the qualifications needed to enter the holy place of the Lord, emphasizing the importance of having clean hands and a pure heart. He describes the holy place as a position of honor, friendship, safety, power, and exhaustless resources, highlighting the privileges and blessings of being in the presence of the King of Heaven. Rees challenges the congregation to break with worldly influences, embrace intimacy with God, and experience the security and empowerment that come from being in favor with the King.
A Door Opened in Heaven
By Charles E. Cowman0GEN 28:12PSA 24:3ACT 16:25PHP 3:8REV 4:1Charles E. Cowman preaches on the vision of a door opened in heaven as seen by John on the Isle of Patmos, emphasizing how God reveals Himself in unexpected places and circumstances, such as in exile, suffering, and loneliness. He draws parallels to Jacob's dream of a ladder connecting heaven and earth in the midst of his exile. Cowman highlights that doors to heaven are opened to those who are in the Spirit, pure in heart, obedient in faith, and willing to prioritize knowing Jesus above all else.
Attainment by Discipline
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual AscendencyDiscipline in FaithDEU 28:1PSA 8:6PSA 24:3MAT 27:24EPH 1:22HEB 2:9HEB 12:22REV 7:14REV 14:1REV 21:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose is to have a people in absolute ascendency, which is a central theme throughout Scripture. He illustrates this through the history of Israel, showing how their failures serve as warnings for the church today, as they lost their intended spiritual dominion due to clinging to the letter of the law rather than embracing the spirit of divine life. The sermon highlights that ascendency is achieved through discipline and challenging experiences, urging believers to view their trials as opportunities for spiritual growth rather than personal grievances. Sparks concludes by affirming that true ascendency is not merely a future promise but a present reality for those who rise above their circumstances through faith in Christ. The ultimate question remains, 'Who shall ascend?' and the answer lies in a disciplined and united people of God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The form of a question gives vivacity. Hands, tongue, and heart are organs of action, speech, and feeling, which compose character. hill of the Lord--(compare Psa 2:6, &c.). His Church--the true or invisible, as typified by the earthly sanctuary.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?.... Though the Lord has a claim in general to the whole world, and all its fulness; yet there is a particular part of it, or spot in it, which is his special and peculiar property, and that is his church and people; for though some reference may be had, in this passage, to Mount Moriah, and the hill of Zion, on which the temple was afterwards built, and is called the hill of the Lord, where he desired to dwell, Psa 68:15; yet the church is mystically intended, and is so called on account of its visibility, through a profession of faith in Christ, and for its immovableness, being built on him; and who shall stand in his holy place? the same with the hill of the Lord; the temple being to be built upon it, where the Lord took up his residence, and was worshipped, and holiness becomes the house of God for evermore: the import of these questions is, who is a proper person to be an inhabitant of Zion, or a member of a Gospel church? and the answer to them is in Psa 24:4, in which is a description much like that which is given of one hundred forty and four thousand seen with the Lamb on Mount Zion, Rev 14:1; compare with this verse.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
From this world, and the fulness thereof, the psalmist's meditations rise, of a sudden to the great things of another world, the foundation of which is not on the seas, nor on the floods. The things of this world God has given to the children of men and we are much indebted to his providence for them; but they will not make a portion for us. And therefore, I. Here is an enquiry after better things, Psa 24:3. This earth is God's footstool; but, if we had ever so much of it, we must be here but a while, must shortly go hence, and Who then shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Who shall go to heaven hereafter, and, as an earnest of that, shall have communion with God in holy ordinances now? A soul that knows and considers its own nature, origin, and immortality, when it has viewed the earth and the fulness thereof, will sit down unsatisfied; there is not found among all the creatures a help meet for man, and therefore it will think of ascending towards God, towards heaven, will ask, "What shall I do to rise to that high place, that hill, where the Lord dwells and manifests himself, that I may be acquainted with him, and to abide in that happy holy place where he meets his people and makes them holy and happy? What shall I do that I may be of those whom God owns for his peculiar people and who are his in another manner than the earth is his and its fulness?" This question is much the same with that, Psa 15:1. The hill of Zion on which the temple was built typified the church, both visible and invisible. When the people attended the ark to its holy place David puts them in mind that these were but patterns of heavenly things, and therefore that by them they should be led to consider the heavenly things themselves. II. An answer to this enquiry, in which we have, 1. The properties of God's peculiar people, who shall have communion with him in grace and glory. (1.) They are such as keep themselves from all the gross acts of sin. They have clean hands; not spotted with the pollutions of the world and the flesh. None that were ceremonially unclean might enter into the mountain of the temple, which signified that cleanness of conversation which is required in all those that have fellowship with God. The hands lifted up in prayer must be pure hands, no blot of unjust gain cleaving to them, nor any thing else that defiles the man and is offensive to the holy God. (2.) They are such as make conscience of being really (that is, of being inwardly) as good as they seem to be outwardly. They have pure hearts. We make nothing of our religion if we do not make heart-work of it. It is not enough that our hands be clean before men, but we must also wash our hearts from wickedness, and not allow ourselves in any secret heart-impurities, which are open before the eye of God. Yet in vain do those pretend to have pure and good hearts whose hands are defiled with the acts of sin. That is a pure heart which is sincere and without guile in covenanting with God, which is carefully guarded, that the wicked one, the unclean spirit, touch it not, which is purified by faith, and conformed to the image and will of God; see Mat 5:8. (3.) They are such as do not set their affections upon the things of this world, do not lift up their souls unto vanity, whose hearts are not carried out inordinately towards the wealth of this world, the praise of men, or the delights of sense, who do not choose these things for their portion, nor reach forth after them, because they believe them to be vanity, uncertain and unsatisfying. (4.) They are such as deal honestly both with God and man. In their covenant with God, and their contracts with men, they have not sworn deceitfully, nor broken their promises, violated their engagements, nor taken any false oath. Those that have no regard to the obligations of truth or the honour of God's name are unfit for a place in God's holy hill. (5.) They are a praying people (Psa 24:6): This is the generation of those that seek him. In every age there is a remnant of such as these, men of this character, who are accounted to the Lord for a generation, Psa 22:30. And they are such as seek God, that seek they face, O Jacob! [1.] They join themselves to God, to seek him, not only in earnest prayer, but in serious endeavours to obtain his favour and keep themselves in his love. Having made it the summit of their happiness, they make it the summit of their ambition to be accepted of him, and therefore take care and pains to approve themselves to him. It is to the hill of the Lord that we must ascend, and, the way being up-hill, we have need to put forth ourselves to the utmost, as those that seek diligently. [2.] They join themselves to the people of God, to seek God with them. Being brought into communion with God, they come into communion of saints; conforming to the patterns of the saints that have gone before (so some understand this), they seek God's face, as Jacob (so some), who was therefore surnamed Israel, because he wrestled with God and prevailed, sought him and found him; and, associating with the saints of their own day, they shall court the favour of God's church (Rev 3:9), shall be glad of an acquaintance with God's people (Zac 8:23), shall incorporate themselves with them, and, when they subscribe with their hands to the Lord, shall call themselves by the name of Jacob, Isa 44:5. As soon as ever Paul was converted he joined himself to the disciples, Act 9:26. They shall seek God's face in Jacob (so some), that is, in the assemblies of his people. Thy face, O God of Jacob! so our margin supplies it, and makes it easy. As all believers are the spiritual seed of Abraham, so all that strive in prayer are the spiritual seed of Jacob, to whom God never said, Seek you me in vain. 2. The privileges of God's peculiar people, Psa 24:5. They shall be made truly and for ever happy. (1.) They shall be blessed: they shall receive the blessing from the Lord, all the fruits and gifts of God's favour, according to his promise; and those whom God blesses are blessed indeed, for it is his prerogative to command the blessing. (2.) They shall be justified and sanctified. These are the spiritual blessings in heavenly things which they shall receive, even righteousness, the very thing they hunger and thirst after, Mat 5:6. Righteousness is blessedness, and it is from God only that we must expect it, for we have no righteousness of our own. They shall receive the reward of their righteousness (so some), the crown of righteousness which the righteous Judge shall give, Ti2 4:8. (3.) They shall be saved; for God himself will be the God of their salvation. Note, Where God gives righteousness he certainly designs salvation. Those that are made meet for heaven shall be brought safely to heaven, and then they will find what they have been seeking, to their endless satisfaction.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
24:3-6 The citizens of the King’s realm include all who seek him. The Lord invites them to enter his presence. 24:3 These questions invite readers to look away from their problems with the wicked and to examine themselves (see 15:1). • God’s holy place is the holy mountain, a reference both to Jerusalem and to heaven.