Psalm 24 appears to be a liturgical occasion, perhaps when David brought the ark of the LORD into Jerusalem. See 2 Samuel 6. This explains the presence of the LORD in verses 3-6 and the address to the gates of the city in verses 7-10.

1-2 – The LORD is the creator, founder, and owner of all things; therefore, he bestows the blessings of creation.

3-6 – The question is now asked who will receive the LORD’s blessings. The answer comes back that only those with clean hands a pure heart will receive blessings and enjoy the LORD’s righteousness. This includes not acting false to others, not swearing deceitfully, and seeking the LORD, to know him and to know what he commands.

7-10 – In verse 7 those carrying the ark ask the gate keepers to open the gates for the King of glory. In verse 8a, the gate keepers ask who is the King of glory? Verse 8b in reply says he is LORD, strong and mighty, mighty in battle. In verses 9 and 10, the conversation is repeated. They ask that the King of glory may come in. The gate keepers ask who is the King of glory? The reply again is that the LORD of hosts is the King of glory. Jehovah Sabaoth.

Psalm 23 celebrates God’s providential care for his people. God personally cares for each of his faithful people.

1-4 – The LORD is a shepherd to his people. He provides food, water, safety, and protection for his people.

5-6 – The LORD is a host who provides welcome, food, and safety.

The LORD literally pursues us with goodness and mercy all the days of our lives. We can dwell safely in the house of the LORD forever.

A. 22:1-11 – Fervent Prayer of one who is forsaken – Lament and Confidence

Cycle One – 22:1-5 – Lament – Pain and Trust

Pain is described, followed by affirmation of faith by previous generations

Cycle Two – 22:6-11 - Lament – Pain and Confidence

Pain is described, followed by an affirmation of David’s faith from childhood.

B. 22:12-18 – Lament of the Suffering King -

Cycle One – 22:12-15 - describes his enemies and his suffering

Bulls of Bashan encircle him

Lions open their mouths to devour him

Cycle Two – 22:16-18 – again describes his enemies and his suffering

Dogs – waiting till he was dead so they could tear his limbs and eat him

pierced my hands and feet, figuratively the tearing of flesh by dogs

He is good as dead, and so they divide up his garments

C. 22:19-21 – Petition for deliverance from death

Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!

David may have received the word of God that he would be saved, because in the rest of the Psalm – he praises God for his deliverance

D. 22:22-31 - Praise and encouragement for prayer

22:21 - David addressed the congregation of people with his vow to praise God.

22:23-26 – David called on the congregation to praise the LORD

22:27-31 – David called to the world at large, anticipating that the world would turn to the worship of the LORD

In praise for what God did for the righteous sufferer (Jesus Christ)