It is difficult to make sense of what is going on in Psalm 24 without acquaintance with ancient Near Eastern traditions and Israelite ritual worship. Who is involved in the dialogue concerning Yahweh’s entry in verses 7–10? Why is there such interest in his militaristic qualities? And what does this have to do with his establishing the earth on water (an odd conception!) in verses 1–2, and what does any of this have to do with prerequisites for worship that sound so legalistic?

The occasion of the psalm is Yahweh’s victory procession entering his temple-palace. A liturgist opens with a shout of victory over the forces of chaos, whereby all creatures are liberated under his kingship (vv. 1–2). But before the victory procession can begin, would-be celebrators ask who may join (v. 3). A litur…