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.
How lovely are thy habitations, O Yahweh of hosts!
My soul, longeth—yea even languisheth—for the courts of Yahweh,—My heart and my flesh, shout aloud for a Living GOD.
Even the sparrow, hath found a home, And, the swallow, a nest for herself, where she hath laid her young, Thine altars, O Yahweh of hosts, My king and my God!
How happy are they who abide in thy house,—Still are they praising thee. [Selah.]
How happy the men whose strength is in thee, Festive processions are in their heart.
Passing through the balsam-vale, A place of fountains, they make it, Yea, with blessings, is it covered by the early rain.
They go from strength to strength, Each one appeareth before God in Zion.
O Yahweh, God of hosts, hear thou my prayer,—Give hear, thou God of Jacob. [Selah.]
Our Shield, behold thou, O God, And look upon the face of thine Anointed One.
For better is a day in thy courts, than a thousand, I choose rather to stand at the threshold in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of lawlessness.
For, a sun and shield, is Yahweh God,—Grace and glory, will Yahweh give, He will not withhold what is good, from them who walk without blame.
O Yahweh of hosts! How happy the man who trusteth in thee!