The LORD strong and mighty,
This phrase highlights God's omnipotence and strength. In the context of ancient Near Eastern culture, strength and might were essential qualities for a king, especially in times of war. The LORD's strength is not just physical but also moral and spiritual, indicating His ability to uphold justice and righteousness. This description aligns with other biblical passages that depict God as a warrior and protector of His people, such as in Exodus 15:3, where God is described as a "man of war."

the LORD mighty in battle.
This emphasizes God's role as a divine warrior who fights on behalf of His people. In the historical context of Israel, battles were often seen as spiritual as well as physical conflicts, with victory attributed to divine intervention. The LORD's might in battle assures believers of His power to overcome any adversary. This imagery is also prophetic, pointing to the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, as seen in Revelation 19:11-16, where Christ is depicted as a conquering King.

Psalm 24:8 begins with a question that sounds like a call-and-response at the gates of Jerusalem. It draws the listener in to identify the true ruler:

• This question isn’t posed because the speaker lacks knowledge; it is meant to awaken everyone to recognize God’s presence, much like the crowd on Palm Sunday asked, “Who is this?” as Jesus entered Jerusalem (Matthew 21:10-11).

• The title “King of Glory” points to the LORD’s absolute sovereignty (Psalm 29:10) and the radiant honor that surrounds Him (Exodus 24:16-17).

• By asking, David highlights that no earthly monarch can claim such glory; only the LORD fills the throne of the universe (1 Timothy 6:15-16).

“The earth is the LORD’s” statement earlier in the psalm (Psalm 24:1) sets the stage—He owns the gates and the people inside, and now He approaches to take His place.

“The LORD, strong and mighty” answers the question by proclaiming God’s unmatched power:

• Strong: His strength is inherent, not delegated. He split the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31) and sustained Israel in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:15-16).

• Mighty: He is able to accomplish His will against any opposition, as seen when He toppled the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6:20) and empowered David over Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

• This strength is moral and spiritual as well—He forgives sin and transforms hearts (Isaiah 1:18, Ezekiel 36:26-27).

When Jesus calmed the storm with a word (Mark 4:39-41), the disciples echoed the psalm’s awe: “Who then is this?” The answer: the same LORD who rules the seas in Psalm 24 (cf. Psalm 89:9).

God’s might shows up in warfare language because He defends His people and defeats evil:

• At the Red Sea He was “the LORD is a warrior” (Exodus 15:3).

• He fought for Israel against Amalek (Exodus 17:8-15) and later against the Assyrians when one angel struck down 185,000 (2 Kings 19:32-35).

• Ultimately, the battle points forward to Christ’s victory over sin, death, and Satan at the cross and empty tomb (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14-15).

• Revelation 19:11-16 pictures the returning Christ as the Faithful and True warrior-King, fulfilling Psalm 24:8 on a cosmic scale.

Because He is “mighty in battle,” believers can trust His protection and final triumph (Romans 8:31-39).

Psalm 24:8 celebrates the arrival of the sovereign, all-glorious LORD. The probing question “Who is this King of Glory?” invites every heart to recognize God alone as the strong and mighty warrior-King. He owns all creation, possesses limitless power, fights for His people, and wins every battle—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the King of Glory who enters not only Jerusalem’s gates but the gates of every believing heart.

The Lord strong and mighty.--But it is the right of conquest--

"Jehovah, the strong, the mighty, Jehovah, mighty in battle."