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.
To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable [are] thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
\\84:1\\To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
\\84:2\\My soul longeth, and even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
\\84:3\\Yes, the sparrow hath found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thy altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
\\84:4\\Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
\\84:5\\Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
\\84:6\\Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
\\84:7\\They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
\\84:8\\O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
\\84:9\\Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thy anointed.
\\84:10\\For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
\\84:11\\For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
\\84:12\\O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.