**The King of Glory Arrives**

The sun had not yet risen over the ancient hills of Jerusalem, but the city was already stirring. The golden gates of the temple stood firm, their polished surfaces catching the first pale light of dawn. The priests moved quietly through the courts, preparing for the morning sacrifices. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the distant bleating of lambs.

Among the people gathered in the outer courts was a man named Eliab, a shepherd from the hills of Bethlehem. He had journeyed to Jerusalem with a heart full of longing, for he had heard the words of the psalmist echoing in his soul:

*”The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.”* (Psalm 24:1-2)

Eliab gazed at the towering walls of the temple, his hands calloused from years of tending sheep. He had always known that the Lord was the Creator, the One who had shaped the mountains and filled the valleys with life. But today, he yearned for something deeper—to stand in the presence of the Holy One.

As the priests began their chants, a hush fell over the crowd. The Levites, robed in white, stood before the gates and lifted their voices in a song of ascent:

*”Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?”* (Psalm 24:3)

Eliab’s breath caught in his throat. The question pierced him like a blade. Who indeed was worthy? He thought of his own failings—the moments of anger, the times he had turned away from mercy. Around him, others bowed their heads, as if the weight of the question pressed upon them all.

Then the chant continued, and the answer rang out like a trumpet blast:

*”The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.”* (Psalm 24:4)

Eliab closed his eyes. Clean hands? A pure heart? Such a man was rare indeed. Yet the promise that followed filled him with hope:

*”They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior.”* (Psalm 24:5)

A murmur spread through the crowd. Was there one among them who could claim such righteousness? The priests raised their hands, and the sound of silver trumpets filled the air. Then, from beyond the gates, a mighty cry arose:

*”Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!”* (Psalm 24:7)

The people gasped. Who was calling? The Levites, their faces alight with wonder, responded:

*”Who is this King of glory?”*

And the answer thundered back:

*”The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle!”* (Psalm 24:8)

Eliab’s heart pounded. The King of glory was coming! The very thought made his knees tremble. The gates of the temple seemed to shimmer, as if straining to open before their Maker. Again, the cry came:

*”Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!”* (Psalm 24:9)

And once more, the priests asked, *”Who is he, this King of glory?”*

The reply shook the earth:

*”The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory!”* (Psalm 24:10)

At that moment, Eliab understood. The Lord was not merely a distant Creator—He was a mighty King, returning to His dwelling. The gates of the temple were but a shadow of the heavenly doors that would one day swing wide for His coming. And though no man was righteous on his own, the Lord Himself would provide the way.

As the sun broke over the horizon, bathing the temple in golden light, Eliab fell to his knees. The King of glory was here—in His word, in His temple, and in the hearts of those who sought Him. And one day, Eliab knew, He would come again, not just to the gates of Jerusalem, but to the whole earth, to reign forever.

And so, with a heart full of awe, he whispered the psalm once more:

*”The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it…”*

For the King of glory was worthy of all praise.