Psalms 24:8

Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

Psalms 24:8 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 24 is a song of David that celebrates God as the King of glory. The psalm moves from God’s ownership of the earth to the character required for approaching His holy presence, and then to the triumphant entry of the King into the sanctuary. Verse 8 answers the question raised in verse 7: “Who is this King of glory?” The answer is not a sign of ignorance but a way to draw attention to the majesty of the One who enters.

Meaning

The verse declares that the King of glory is “the LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.” The name LORD (Yahweh) points to the covenant-keeping God of Israel, not a distant or weak deity. The repetition of “mighty” stresses that His power is without equal. He is strong in His nature and victorious in conflict. This language pictures God as a divine warrior who fights for His people and secures their deliverance. The question and answer pattern is a literary device that emphasizes His identity, inviting us to consider who He truly is.

Biblical connections

The fuller identity of this King appears in verse 10, where He is called “the LORD of hosts,” meaning the Lord of armies, both heavenly and earthly. This connection shows that the King of glory is not a local god but the sovereign ruler over all creation. The same power that defends Israel is the power that governs every nation and every spiritual force. He commands all that exists, so His strength is not limited to one place or time.

Application

This verse invites believers to ask the same question and to answer it with trust. When facing fear, opposition, or uncertainty, remember that the King of glory is strong and mighty in battle. He is able to protect His people and overcome every enemy. The question also calls for personal reflection: do we truly acknowledge Him as the glorious King who deserves our worship and obedience? Let this truth lead us to approach Him with awe and reverence, knowing that He alone holds true glory.

Reflection

The rhetorical pattern of question and answer encourages worship. We are not left to wonder who holds ultimate power. The answer is clear: the Lord alone is glorious, strong, and victorious. Let this truth shape our prayers and our confidence, knowing that the King who enters the sanctuary is the same King who fights for us today.