The question invites corporate worship through liturgical rehearsal of God’s identity, creating dramatic anticipation that leads to the climactic declaration of Yahweh as the King of glory. By posing the question a second time, the worshipers heighten the emphasis on God’s supreme majesty and reinforce the answer through repetition, a common feature of Hebrew liturgical poetry.

The assembly answers immediately: ‘The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory.’ This repetition of the title from verse 8 forms the liturgical climax. The ‘Selah’ that follows invites a pause for musical interlude and worshipful meditation on this declaration.

The psalmist poses this question a second time to create liturgical emphasis and participatory worship. In Hebrew poetry, repetition intensifies meaning rather than merely restating it. The question ‘Who is this King of glory?’ invites the worshiping community to declare God’s identity together, transforming doctrine into doxology. The answer identifies Yahweh specifically as ‘Lord of hosts,’ the Hebrew Yahweh Sabaoth, emphasizing His command over heavenly armies. This is not abstract theology but concrete reality: Israel’s God possesses overwhelming power and authority. The question format rather than simple statement engages the congregation actively, requiring their verbal participation in acknowledging God’s majesty. The ‘Selah’ that concludes the psalm creates space for the truth to settle deeply into worshipers’ hearts, moving from corporate declaration to personal meditation on the glory of the King who enters their gates and their lives.