BIG IDEA:
WORSHIP USHERS THE KING OF GLORY INTO HIS RIGHTFUL DOMAIN
INTRODUCTION: A Psalm of David
A Messianic Psalm in that it pictures the Triumphal Entry of Christ to usher in His kingdom of victory and glory; Background probably in the OT conveying of the ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem to its rightful place in the tabernacle; this was a difficult journey and it is instructive to study the many stumbling blocks before that journey was successfully completed.
The Form involves a chorus responding at different points … almost like a responsive reading today.
I. (:1-2) OWNERSHIP RIGHTS BELONG TO GOD THE CREATOR
A. Extent of those Ownership Rights:
“the earth and all it contains
the world and those who dwell in it”
B. Explanation of those Ownership Rights:
“He has founded it upon the seas”
“He has established it upon the rivers”
Speaks of God’s Sovereignty; He has ultimate control and ownership of what he has created
II. (:3-4) WORSHIP PRIVILEGES BELONG TO THOSE WHO MEET GOD’S STANDARD FOR HOLINESS
Ultimately: only the Messiah qualifies
A. The Awesome Question:
“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?”
“Who may stand in His holy place?”
Awesome question being asked in light of the history of the ark of the covenant;
represented the power and presence and holiness of God
B. The Simple Answer:
“He who has clean hands”
“a pure heart”
“has not lifted up his soul to falsehood”
“has not sworn deceitfully”
Study the Holiness of the Life of Christ
III. (:5-6) GRACIOUS GIFTS BELONG TO THOSE WHO PERSEVERE IN SEEKING GOD
A. God Gives the Best Gifts
“a blessing from the Lord”
“righteousness from the God of his salvation”
B. To those who Persevere in Seeking God
(cf. alternate translation offered by Doug Goins, Discovery Publishing, Peninsula Bible Church website:
“This generation is seeking him, They are seeking your face, O Jacob.”
i.e. none is found to step forward and accept the challenge of being completely holy)
C. Even to Jacob
IV. (:7-10) THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY BELONGS TO THE COMING KING OF GLORY = THE LORD OF HOSTS
A. Identified as the “the Lord strong and mighty” = “the Lord mighty in battle”
B. Identified as “The Lord of Hosts”