Psalm 24 (23 in the Septuagint/Vulgate numbering) is a pre-exilic royal Zion psalm from the monarchic period (likely 10th–8th century BC), belonging to the rare sub-genre of entrance liturgy (Torliturgie). It was composed for the solemn annual procession—probably during the autumn enthronement festival (later Tabernacles)—when the Ark of the Covenant, Yahweh’s earthly throne, was carried in triumph up Mount Zion into the Temple, reenacting David’s original bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6).

The psalm unfolds in three movements:

1. A majestic hymn (vv. 1-2) proclaiming Yahweh’s universal lordship as Creator who founded the earth upon the primordial waters.
2. A dramatic entrance examination (vv. 3-6): priests or gatekeepers question approaching pilgrims (“Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?”), admitting only those with “clean hands and pure heart”—people of outward integrity and inward freedom from idolatry and deceit.
3. The omitted climactic dialogue (vv. 7-10 in the full psalm) shows the gates themselves commanded to “lift up your heads” as the victorious “King of glory” enters.

The responsorial form used in the liturgy retains the hymn and the moral examination, repeating the refrain “Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.” From the earliest centuries, Christians have read it as a prophecy of Christ’s Ascension: the true King of Glory entering the heavenly sanctuary, making us, through his purity, worthy to follow. It remains a favourite text in Advent, the Ascension, and the Feast of Christ the King.