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Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:4

He that hath clean hands - In the parallel passage in Psalms 15:2, the answer to the question is, “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness.” The sentiment is substantially the same there as in the passage before us. The meaning is, that he who would be recognized as a friend and worshipper of Yahweh must be an upright man; a person not living in the practice of iniquity, but striving always to do that which is right. The “hands” are the instruments by which we accomplish anything;... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 24:4

Psalms 24:4. He that hath clean hands Whose actions and conversation are holy and unblameable. It is here very observable that the character of a right and acceptable worshipper of God is not taken from his nation and relation to Abraham; nor from any or all of those costly and laborious rites and ceremonies of the law in which the generality of the Israelites placed their confidence, but from moral and spiritual duties, which most of them grossly neglected. And a pure heart Purged from... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 24:1-10

Psalms 24:0 The triumphal entrySaul had taken little interest in the religious life of Israel. During his reign the ark of the covenant (or covenant box) remained in a country house in Kiriath-jearim. David set about correcting this state of affairs by restoring the ark, symbol of God’s presence, to its rightful place at the centre of the nation’s religious life. One of the greatest days of his life, therefore, was the day on which he brought the ark into Jerusalem (1 Samuel 7:1-2; 2 Samuel... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 24:4

clean. Compare Psalms 15:0 and Exodus 20:13-16 . soul. Hebrew nephesh. App-13 . read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 24:4

4. lifted up his soul—is to set the affections (Psalms 25:1) on an object; here, vanity—or, any false thing, of which swearing falsely, or to falsehood, is a specification. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 24:1-10

Psalms 24Only people characterized by righteous deeds and pure thoughts may enter the place where the glorious King of the Universe dwells.The occasion that inspired the composition of this psalm is unknown. However, in view of its content, many interpreters believe David may have written it when he brought the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). [Note: E.g., Delitzsch, 1:334.] Perhaps he wrote it when he returned from some victory in battle. [Note: Craigie, pp. 213-14.] During the... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 24:3-4

The psalmist then wondered who could go into the sanctuary of such a great God on Mt. Zion (cf. Psalms 23:6). Who could have the courage to do so? Right actions (clean hands) and right attitudes (a pure heart) are necessary if one hopes to attain admission to His presence. Idolatry and bearing false witness, perhaps representing all sins God-ward and man-ward, disqualify any potential worshipper. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 24:1-10

This Ps. is generally, and very appropriately, connected with the occasion when David brought up the ark from the house of Obededom to the tent prepared for it on Mt. Zion. It declares the universal sovereignty of God the Creator (Psalms 24:1-2), and describes the character of those who may approach His earthly dwelling (Psalms 24:3-6). Then there follows a twice-repeated scene, in which the gates of Jerusalem are summoned to open, that God, as represented by the ark, may enter; while the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 24:3-4

(3, 4) For the elaboration of this answer, see Psalms 15:0 and Isaiah 33:15; Isaiah 33:18. “The answer is remarkable, as expressing in language so clear that a child may understand it, the great doctrine that the only service, the only character which can be thought worthy of such a habitation, is that which conforms itself to the laws of truth, honesty, humility, justice, love. Three thousand years have passed, Jerusalem has fallen, the Jewish monarchy and priesthood and ritual and religion... read more

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