Psalm 84 - Longing for the Courts of the LORD
A pilgrim psalm of longing, from the sparrow's nest to the doorkeeper's post.
Psalm 84 captures a pilgrim's longing for the temple, where even 'the sparrow hath found an house' near the altar of the LORD of hosts. It sits among the Psalms overview as one of the most personal expressions of desire for God's presence in the whole collection.
For the Leader; upon the Gittith. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.
How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O HaShem of hosts!
My soul yearneth, yea, even pineth for the courts of HaShem; my heart and my flesh sing for joy unto the living G-d.
Yea, the sparrow hath found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young; Thine altars, O HaShem of hosts, my King, and my G-d--.
Happy are they that dwell in Thy house, they are ever praising Thee. Selah
Happy is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are the highways.
Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; yea, the early rain clotheth it with blessings.
They go from strength to strength, every one of them appeareth before G-d in Zion.
O HaShem G-d of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O G-d of Jacob. Selah
Behold, O G-d our shield, and look upon the face of Thine anointed.
For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand; I had rather stand at the threshold of the house of my G-d, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For HaShem G-d is a sun and a shield; HaShem giveth grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.
O HaShem of hosts, happy is the man that trusteth in Thee.