Single lesson
Psalm 24: The Earth Is the LORD’s
Psalms 24:1–10
Psalm 24 is a song that begins with Yahweh as owner and founder of the whole earth, then asks who may come near him, and ends by welcoming the King of glory.
Before you teach
In these verses, the psalm moves in three parts. First, it says the earth and its people belong to Yahweh because he founded the world. Next, it asks who may stand in his holy place. Finally, it calls for the gates to open for the King of glory.
Describe the central teaching of Psalm 24: The Earth Is the LORD’s, using two details from the reading. This psalm teaches that Yahweh rules all, welcomes those who seek him with integrity, and is honoured as the King of glory.
Welcome: Psalm 24: The Earth Is the LORD’s
4 minIntroduce “The Earth Is the LORD’s” and locate Psalms 24:1–10. This psalm teaches that Yahweh rules all, welcomes those who seek him with integrity, and is honoured as the King of glory. Invite each learner to name a detail or question they will listen for.
Psalms 24:1, Psalms 24:6, Psalms 24:10
Read and explain the passage
8 minThe song opens with a sweeping claim. The earth, its fullness, the world, and its inhabitants belong to Yahweh. The reason follows immediately: he founded and established it. The language highlights his right over all creation and all people because the world rests on what he has made and set in place.
The person who comes this way receives blessing from Yahweh and righteousness from the God of his salvation. The psalm then describes such people as a generation that seeks him and seeks his face. Seeking God here is joined to the character already described, not treated as empty words.
The final lines call to gates and everlasting doors to lift up their heads so the King of glory may come in. The repeated question and answer identify him clearly. The King of glory is Yahweh, strong and mighty, mighty in battle, and Yahweh of Armies. The psalm ends in praise with Selah.
Read the selected verses together, pausing at “The Earth Is the LORD’s”. Use the source reading below and check the explanation against the words of the passage.
Psalms 24:1, Psalms 24:2, Psalms 24:5, Psalms 24:6, Psalms 24:7, Psalms 24:8, Psalms 24:9, Psalms 24:10
Discuss the details and their meaning
6 minUse the three questions below. Begin with “According to the psalm, why does the earth belong to Yahweh?” and allow time to find the supporting verses. This psalm teaches that Yahweh rules all, welcomes those who seek him with integrity, and is honoured as the King of glory. Ask learners to explain which details support their answer and to identify a question they would like to explore further.
Psalms 24:1, Psalms 24:2, Psalms 24:3, Psalms 24:4, Psalms 24:8, Psalms 24:10
Make and respond: Words and images response sheet
9 minWork on “Psalm 24: The Earth Is the LORD’s: Words and images response sheet”. Follow the materials and steps below, using “The Earth Is the LORD’s” as reading headings. Each learner should include at least two accurate details and their verse references. Share one observation from the finished sheet and explain how it connects with the central teaching.
Psalms 24:1, Psalms 24:6, Psalms 24:10
Closing: return to The Earth Is the LORD’s
3 minRevisit Psalms 24:1–10. Invite a learner to summarise what the group has learned about The Earth Is the LORD’s and another to support the summary with a verse. Give learners a moment to complete their response sheet. They can share a question or, if appropriate for the group, join the optional prayer.
Psalms 24:1, Psalms 24:6, Psalms 24:10
Questions to explore
According to the psalm, why does the earth belong to Yahweh?
Look at the connection between ownership in verse 1 and the reason given in verse 2.
Psalms 24:1, Psalms 24:2
What kind of person may stand in Yahweh’s holy place?
Notice that the answer includes both outward actions and inward truthfulness.
Psalms 24:3, Psalms 24:4
How does the psalm identify the King of glory?
Use the repeated question and answer in the final verses to list the names and descriptions given.
Psalms 24:8, Psalms 24:10
Make, think or respond
Psalm 24: The Earth Is the LORD’s: Words and images response sheet
What you’ll need
- plain paper or card
- pencils or pens
- coloured pencils or crayons
Try it together
- Fold a sheet into three panels or draw three columns. Label them “A repeated word or image”, “Its verse reference”, “What it expresses”.
- Read Psalms 24:1–10. Use “The Earth Is the LORD’s” as your reading headings and add a short quotation or detail with its verse reference to each panel.
- Talk through your notes with an adult. Add a word, drawing or short quotation that helps you remember each part.
- Choose one image and add a short written response or a simple drawing. Explain how it connects with the passage.
The finished sheet keeps the details of Psalm 24: The Earth Is the LORD’s connected to their Bible references and gives the group a way to explain what they noticed.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, read the selected verses aloud, prepare the three panels and let them respond with drawings or a few words. Use The Earth Is the LORD’s as the retelling prompt.
- For older children, add verse references to the response sheet and explain a connection between The Earth Is the LORD’s and the final part of the reading.
An optional closing prayer
“God, help us listen carefully as we read Psalms 24:1–10. Help us understand what we have read, ask thoughtful questions and respond with care for others. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Psalms 24
1 The earth is Yahweh’s, with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell in it.
2 For he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the floods.
3 Who may ascend to Yahweh’s hill? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh, righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face—even Jacob. Selah.
7 Lift up your heads, you gates! Be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in.
8 Who is the King of glory? Yahweh strong and mighty, Yahweh mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates; yes, lift them up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? Yahweh of Armies is the King of glory! Selah.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.