This is the psalm of the crown. It speaks of the coming of the Chief Shepherd. Tradition says it was composed by David and sung when he brought up the ark from the house of Obededom to the tent prepared for it on Mt. Zion (1Ch 13:1-8). No other occasion, such as the Dedication of the Temple, or the return of the Ark from some victory, explains the whole Psalm equally well. The opening assertion of His universal sovereignty as the Creator of the world offers a fitting caution not to suppose that because He has chosen one city for His special dwelling place, His Presence and activity are limited to it (v. 1~2).
1. The LORD is the Creator and therefore the Owner of the universe (Psalm 24:1-2; Revelation 4:9-11).
2. He is also the LORD, which is His Name as the faithful God of the covenant. As a result, He has a double right – as Creator and as Redeemer (Revelation 4-5) – to His people:
a. He declares who among men may approach His holy habitation (Psalm 24:3-6) and
b. comes to take possession of His rightful property (Psalm 24:7-10).