Commentators have long noted a fortuitous grouping of this and the previous two songs. In their minds, the trio prophesies the ministry of Christ. While the 22nd is obviously prophetic of the crucifixion, the 23rd is more or less the Church Age with Christ as shepherd. This psalm supposedly hearkens to the Kingdom to Come. All well and good, but that would miss the point from David’s perspective. This song reaffirms the previous, in that Jehovah is the true King in Jerusalem.
There is nothing esoteric about the message here. David begins by affirming that, while we could theorize about other parts of Creation, we know for certain God owns this world and every life in it. He designed the entire structure of this world, so nothing is a mystery to Him. How do we approach such a high and holy ruler in His divine courts? (Keep in mind that all David writes is prior to the existence of the Temple, so the imagery is cultural and generic.)
David goes on to describe basic high moral standards as the fundamental requirement for pleasing God. To stand before God as accepted in His sight requires that you reflect back to Him His own character of moral justice. It’s not simply the letter of the Law of Moses, but a commitment to making God smile. The definition of holiness has always been a desire to please Him, that simple childlike love for the Father.
That looks like someone who strives to keep their actions morally clean as an expression of pure motives. A fundamental image of that is embracing honesty, with yourself and with others. There is no place for pretense or boasting of things you cannot possibly do. Such are the people welcome in His courts, and are qualified for membership in the covenant nation. It’s not a matter of DNA, but of a personal commitment to God.
David calls for the very gates of Jerusalem to stand tall and proud like might warriors welcoming their master into His own palace. Don’t let Him see you slouching; His Presence demands your very best without faking. His Presence makes you better than you otherwise might be. And just who are we talking about, after all? The One who never fails at anything He chooses to do. His very whims are the universe’s necessities.
Say it again! Stand tall and proud to be so much as the fixtures of His palace, because the doors and stones themselves sing of His greatness. Let there be no doubt that this is Our Creator.
