Mizmor 24: Ascending God's Mountain/1
Mizmor 24: Ascending God's Mountain
Introduction
A Psalm in Three Parts: What is the Connection?
Psalm 24 divides into three, seemingly unconnected, sections. Verses 1-2 speak of Hashem's dominion over all the earth, highlighting His role as creator. Verses 3-6 shift gear to discuss the characteristics necessary to make one worthy of ascending to the mountain of God. Finally, verses 7-10 switch the focus back to God, with the poet calling on the "gates" and "eternal entrances" to lift their heads so that the "king of glory" (God) can enter. What is the relationship between the three parts of the chapter?
Additional Questions
Role in the Liturgy
This psalm plays a role in several places in the liturgy. It was chosen as the psalm for the day on the first day of the week, having been sung by the Levites in the Mikdash on that day. In many communities, it is recited after the Torah reading when the Torah is returned to the ark.1 Finally, it is included in the evening prayers of both Rosh HaShana and Yom HaKippurim.2 What is the connection between the themes of the psalm and these various occasions?