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 your dwellings, Yahweh of Hosts!
My soul longs, and even faints for the courts of Yahweh. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Yes, the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young, Near your altars, Yahweh of Hosts, my King, and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house. They are always praising you. Selah.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you; Who have set their hearts on a pilgrimage.
Passing through the valley of Weeping, they make it a place of springs. Yes, the autumn rain covers it with blessings.
They go from strength to strength. Everyone of them appears before God in Zion.
Yahweh, God of hosts, hear my prayer. Listen, God of Jacob. Selah.
Behold, God our shield, Look at the face of your anointed.
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For Yahweh God is a sun and a shield. Yahweh will give grace and glory. He withholds no good thing from those who walk blamelessly.
Yahweh of Hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in you.