"Who is the King of glory?" Exegetical and Theological Reflections on Psalm 24:7-10
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/ROOTS.2025.1.9Keywords:
King of Glory, Yahweh, Divine Kingship, Psalm 24, Church TraditionAbstract
The study explores the rich liturgical and theological elements of a passage from the Hebrew Bible. This psalm depicts a triumphant procession towards Jerusalem, culminating in a ceremonial dialogue at the gates of the sanctuary. This dialogue, which features a call-and-response between those outside the gates and those inside, emphasizes Yahweh’s identity as the "King of Glory. This theme is discussed in different theological contexts throughout the study. The investigation aims to establish the historical backdrop for the psalm’s ceremony while also exploring the theological implications of referring to Yahweh as both "the Lord mighty in battle" and "the Lord of Hosts." Through detailed exegesis and comparisons with other Scriptural texts, the study argues for a nuanced understanding of divine kingship in the Old Testament, highlighting that Yahweh's attributes are not only protective and militaristic but also transcendental. Additionally, the study examines how the early Christian Church Fathers interpreted these passages, often seeing them as foreshadowing the ascension of Christ—referred to as "the King of Glory"—to heaven. By integrating both Jewish and Christian exegetical traditions, this study presents a comprehensive analysis that underscores the theological complexity of these verses and their lasting significance in religious thought and liturgy.
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