Context: Psalm 24 embodies the liturgy for Jehovah's entrance into the Temple. The first two verses are a quiet affirmation of faith, acknowledging God's universal dominion. The next four verses are a liturgy for those who come to worship in Jerusalem, the holy place. In them the need for purity is emphasized: the worshiper must be clean physically and spiritually, he must be humble, and honesty is required of him. Such a person will receive the blessing of the Lord. The serene faith in these lines echoes that in Psalm 23 and is a reflection of the same deep religious feeling. The liturgy ends with a verse stating that the people are spiritually ready to enter the temple. Here there is a gathering sense of anticipation, of a pause before the next act in this sacred drama. The last four verses fulfill that expectation; they celebrate the entrance of Jehovah, as symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant, into the Temple. It is carried in by a procession; members of the procession are singing praises to the Lord, who will be present in the Temple so long as the Ark remains there. This jubilant hymn is a demand that the gates of the Temple may be opened so that the Lord can enter. In accordance with custom, the demand is made twice; twice the identity of "this King of glory" is demanded in return; and twice there is the joyous reply that this King is none other than Jehovah. This brief hymn of four verses is one of the most majestic passages in Scripture; Handel drew upon it for some of the exalted portions of his Messiah, giving it music which, in dignity and grandeur, is worthy of it.