Psalm 24 has a rich musical and cultural history. Parts of the text not only make regular appearances across a diverse array of denominational liturgies, but you might recognize verses 7-10 which are included in Handel’s Messiah. Also, David composed this Psalm intending for it to be sung at the dedication of the Temple by his son, Solomon. 

As a father, these verses strike close to home. I see Psalm 24 serving as a reminder that everything truly belongs to God and we are charged with stewardship of the care of the world. That means helping to guide and encourage our children in being responsible and respectful of our land, animals and resources, and teaching them to value our cultures and traditions.

I’ve recently stepped up to lead my son’s Cub Scout Den after being involved the last two years in taking him to meetings and campouts and teaching him basic outdoor skills. Skills my Dad taught me, which hold a lot more meaning to me now that he is gone. It’s interesting – that role shift from learning as a child to becoming the teacher and leader.

I’m sure David was proud to see his son Solomon step into that leadership role as he passed on his mantle of King and charged him with building the temple in 1 Kings 2:11. As we are all children of God, verses 3-5 of Psalm 24 hold a special meaning.

We know we have a responsibility to hold to the tenets of our faith and follow God’s law. But we also know our hands and heart are once again made pure and clean if we accept Christ, genuinely confess and ask forgiveness for our many sins, and strive to remain true to that which we are called. We also have a responsibility to teach those who come after us and pass down not only the practice, but understanding of why we do what we do. 

Brant Mills is Associate Director of Media for the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.  

Falling into the Psalms is brought to you by the Communications Department of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. To be considered as a future blogger, please contact Shannon W. Martin, Director of Communication at

Psalm 24: 1-10 

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it;
² for he founded it on the seas
    and established it on the waters.

³ Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
⁴ The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not trust in an idol
    or swear by a false god.

⁵ They will receive blessing from the Lord
    and vindication from God their Savior.
⁶ Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek your face, God of Jacob.

⁷ Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
⁸ Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord strong and mighty,
    the Lord mighty in battle.
⁹ Lift up your heads, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
¹⁰ Who is he, this King of glory?
    The Lord Almighty—
    he is the King of glory.