Why Psalm 24 is perfect for Palm Sunday

The Entry of Christ into Jerusalem (1497), Icon from the State Open-air Museum Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, Russia. © Heritage Images / Fine Art Images / akg-images.

Philip Kosloski - published on 04/02/23

Psalm 24 emphasizes the triumphant entrance of the King of Kings into Jerusalem.

During the opening procession into the church on Palm Sunday, the current Roman Missal suggests chanting Psalm 24.

Many of the psalms contain prophetic images that look forward to the Messiah and are easily applied to Jesus Christ.

Psalm 24 in particular can be applied to Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the true King.

The following verses appear to be speaking to the gates of Jerusalem.

O gates, lift high your heads;
grow higher, ancient doors.
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Who is this king of glory?
the Lord, the mighty, the valiant;
the Lord, the valiant in war.
O gates, lift high your heads;
grow higher, ancient doors.
Let him enter, the king of glory!
Who is this king of glory?
he, the Lord of hosts,
he is the king of glory.
Psalm 24:7-10

At the same time, this Psalm is often spiritually applied to each one of us, begging us to “Let him enter” into our hearts.

The King of Glory is here and is ready to dwell within us, but we must open the gates of our heart, freely inviting him in.

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