Psalm 24:9
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.”
King James Version (KJV)
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This verse repeats the command from verse 7, intensifying it and emphasizing that the gates must now open in full recognition of the approaching King of glory.
What Does Psalm 24:9 Mean?
Psalm 24:9 repeats the command of verse 7 almost verbatim, with subtle but significant intensifications. Where verse 7 says "Lift up your heads," verse 9 expands to "even lift them up," adding emphasis and urgency. The doubled command suggests that the answer to the gates' question has been received—the King of glory has been identified as the LORD, strong and mighty. Now the command to open becomes not a tentative suggestion but an emphatic demand. The gates know who approaches, and they must not merely open but open with honor and recognition.
The use of the word "everlasting" (olam) to describe the doors is significant. These doors are ancient, enduring, witnesses to countless ages. They are not temporary or subject to change, yet even they must yield before the King of glory. The implication is that no barrier—no matter how long-established, how strong, how "everlasting"—can ultimately resist the King's coming. For readers, the psalm invites contemplation of their own inner doors, the barriers of doubt or unforgiveness or resistance that might stand between them and the King. Like the ancient gates, these too must be lifted up. The repetition serves not merely as literary device but as enforcement: the command is repeated because the implications are profound. Each barrier must open. Each hesitation must yield. The King comes, and His approach admits of no ultimate refusal.
In the Original Language
The repetition in Hebrew creates emphasis and urgency, a common device in biblical poetry and in ritual contexts where words are repeated with increasing intensity.
Cross References
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.”
- Psalm 24:7
“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep.”
- Hebrews 13:20
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”
- Philippians 2:9-10
Application
Do not resist or delay the King's entry into your life—lift up the barriers of your heart with recognition and welcome, for the King of glory is mighty and His coming is certain.