Psalms 84
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Psalms 84
How Amiable Are Thy Tabernacles, O LORD of Hosts
1How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 84
Psa 84:1-12. (See on Psa 8:1, title, and Psa 42:1, title). The writer describes the desirableness of God's worship and prays for a restoration to its privileges.
1. amiable--not lovely, but beloved.
tabernacles--(Psa 43:3).
PSALM 84
Psa 84:1-12. (See on Psa 8:1, title, and Psa 42:1, title). The writer describes the desirableness of God's worship and prays for a restoration to its privileges.
1. amiable--not lovely, but beloved.
tabernacles--(Psa 43:3).
The Pulpit Commentary
How amiable are thy tabernacles! or, "how lovely are thy dwellings!!" The plural is used, as in Psa_43:3; Psa_46:4 (also Korahite); and Psa_132:7, either because the temple was made up of several compartments, or as a "plural of dignity." O Lord of hosts (comp. Psa_132:3, Psa_132:8, Psa_132:12).
How amiable are thy tabernacles! or, "how lovely are thy dwellings!!" The plural is used, as in Psa_43:3; Psa_46:4 (also Korahite); and Psa_132:7, either because the temple was made up of several compartments, or as a "plural of dignity." O Lord of hosts (comp. Psa_132:3, Psa_132:8, Psa_132:12).
2My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2. longeth--most intensely (Ge 31:30; Psa 17:12).
fainteth--exhausted with desire.
courts--as tabernacles (Psa 84:1)--the whole building.
crieth out--literally, "sings for joy"; but here, and La 2:19, expresses an act of sorrow as the corresponding noun (Psa 17:1; 61:2).
heart and ... flesh--as in Psa 63:1.
2. longeth--most intensely (Ge 31:30; Psa 17:12).
fainteth--exhausted with desire.
courts--as tabernacles (Psa 84:1)--the whole building.
crieth out--literally, "sings for joy"; but here, and La 2:19, expresses an act of sorrow as the corresponding noun (Psa 17:1; 61:2).
heart and ... flesh--as in Psa 63:1.
The Pulpit Commentary
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord. These expressions do not imply that the writer is absent from the temple, but only that his delight in it is never satiated. My heart and my flesh; i.e. my whole nature. Crieth out for the living God; rather, rejoiceth; or "sings out a note of joy" unto the living God. So Hengstenberg, who says, "The verb רִנֵּן is of frequent occurrence in the Psalms, and always signifies to rejoice." Compare the comment of Professor Cheyne.
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord. These expressions do not imply that the writer is absent from the temple, but only that his delight in it is never satiated. My heart and my flesh; i.e. my whole nature. Crieth out for the living God; rather, rejoiceth; or "sings out a note of joy" unto the living God. So Hengstenberg, who says, "The verb רִנֵּן is of frequent occurrence in the Psalms, and always signifies to rejoice." Compare the comment of Professor Cheyne.
3Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
3. thine altars--that is, of burnt offering and incense, used for the whole tabernacle. Its structure afforded facilities for sparrows and swallows to indulge their known predilections for such places. Some understand the statement as to the birds as a comparison: "as they find homes, so do I desire thine altars," &c.
3. thine altars--that is, of burnt offering and incense, used for the whole tabernacle. Its structure afforded facilities for sparrows and swallows to indulge their known predilections for such places. Some understand the statement as to the birds as a comparison: "as they find homes, so do I desire thine altars," &c.
The Pulpit Commentary
Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young. Both sparrows and swallows abound in Palestine. Canon Tristram found the nest of a sparrow "so closely allied to our own that it is difficult to distinguish it," in a chink of the Haram wall at Jerusalem, near the Golden Gate. An anecdote related by Herodotus shows that sparrows built about the Greek temples. The general meaning of the figure in this place seems to be, "If even birds love to build their nests, as they do, in the sacred precincts, how much more reason has the believing heart to find its home in the house of its God!" But the psalmist thinks it enough to suggest the parallel, and does not stop to carry it out. Even thine altars. The "altar" is put, by metonymy, for the temple itself. O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God (comp. Psa_5:2).
Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young. Both sparrows and swallows abound in Palestine. Canon Tristram found the nest of a sparrow "so closely allied to our own that it is difficult to distinguish it," in a chink of the Haram wall at Jerusalem, near the Golden Gate. An anecdote related by Herodotus shows that sparrows built about the Greek temples. The general meaning of the figure in this place seems to be, "If even birds love to build their nests, as they do, in the sacred precincts, how much more reason has the believing heart to find its home in the house of its God!" But the psalmist thinks it enough to suggest the parallel, and does not stop to carry it out. Even thine altars. The "altar" is put, by metonymy, for the temple itself. O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God (comp. Psa_5:2).
4Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
4. This view is favored by the language here, which, as in Psa 15:1; 23:6, recognizes the blessing of membership in God's family by terms denoting a dwelling in His house.
4. This view is favored by the language here, which, as in Psa 15:1; 23:6, recognizes the blessing of membership in God's family by terms denoting a dwelling in His house.
The Pulpit Commentary
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house. As the Korahite Levites did, being "keepers of the gates" of the Lord's house (1Ch_9:19; 1Ch_26:1). They will be still praising thee. It is their privilege to be always praising thee. "The speaker regards the temple as predominantly the house of praise" (Cheyne).
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house. As the Korahite Levites did, being "keepers of the gates" of the Lord's house (1Ch_9:19; 1Ch_26:1). They will be still praising thee. It is their privilege to be always praising thee. "The speaker regards the temple as predominantly the house of praise" (Cheyne).
5Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
5. (Compare Psa 68:28).
in whose heart ... the ways--that is, who knows and loves the way to God's favor (Pr 16:17; Is 40:3, 4).
5. (Compare Psa 68:28).
in whose heart ... the ways--that is, who knows and loves the way to God's favor (Pr 16:17; Is 40:3, 4).
The Pulpit Commentary
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee. God is the "Strength" of all who trust in him. The psalmist seems to mean that mere dwelling in the house of God is not enough for blessedness. Trust in God—having God for one's Strength—is also requisite (comp. Psa_84:12). In whose heart are the ways of them; literally, in whose heart are highways. The "highways" intended are probably those of holiness (comp. Pro_16:17 and Isa_35:8).
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee. God is the "Strength" of all who trust in him. The psalmist seems to mean that mere dwelling in the house of God is not enough for blessedness. Trust in God—having God for one's Strength—is also requisite (comp. Psa_84:12). In whose heart are the ways of them; literally, in whose heart are highways. The "highways" intended are probably those of holiness (comp. Pro_16:17 and Isa_35:8).
6Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. valley of Baca--or, "weeping." Through such, by reason of their dry and barren condition, the worshippers often had to pass to Jerusalem. As they might become wells, or fountains, or pools, supplied by refreshing rain, so the grace of God, by the exercises of His worship, refreshes and revives the hearts of His people, so that for sorrows they have "rivers of delight" (Psa 36:8; 46:4).
6. valley of Baca--or, "weeping." Through such, by reason of their dry and barren condition, the worshippers often had to pass to Jerusalem. As they might become wells, or fountains, or pools, supplied by refreshing rain, so the grace of God, by the exercises of His worship, refreshes and revives the hearts of His people, so that for sorrows they have "rivers of delight" (Psa 36:8; 46:4).
The Pulpit Commentary
Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a wall; rather, through the valley of weeping (τὴν κοιλάδα τοῦ κλαυθμῶνος, LXX.). So Hupfeld. Hengstenberg, Kay, and the Revised Version; compare Hosea's "valley of Achor," i.e. "of Grief." When the righteous pass through a time of suffering or calamity, they turn it into a time of refreshment. The rain also filleth the pools; rather, the early rain (Joe_2:23) covereth it with blessings. The rain of God's grace mantles all the valley with a luxuriant vegetation; in other words, the blessing of God rests on those who act as above described, and causes them ever to increase in righteousness and true holiness.
Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a wall; rather, through the valley of weeping (τὴν κοιλάδα τοῦ κλαυθμῶνος, LXX.). So Hupfeld. Hengstenberg, Kay, and the Revised Version; compare Hosea's "valley of Achor," i.e. "of Grief." When the righteous pass through a time of suffering or calamity, they turn it into a time of refreshment. The rain also filleth the pools; rather, the early rain (Joe_2:23) covereth it with blessings. The rain of God's grace mantles all the valley with a luxuriant vegetation; in other words, the blessing of God rests on those who act as above described, and causes them ever to increase in righteousness and true holiness.
7They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
7. The figure of the pilgrim is carried out. As such daily refit their bodily strength till they reach Jerusalem, so the spiritual worshipper is daily supplied with spiritual strength by God's grace till he appears before God in heaven.
appeareth ... God--the terms of the requisition for the attendance on the feasts (compare De 16:16),
7. The figure of the pilgrim is carried out. As such daily refit their bodily strength till they reach Jerusalem, so the spiritual worshipper is daily supplied with spiritual strength by God's grace till he appears before God in heaven.
appeareth ... God--the terms of the requisition for the attendance on the feasts (compare De 16:16),
The Pulpit Commentary
They go from strength to strength. Their spiritual course is one of continually greater vitality and vigour. Every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. Either "Each in his turn appears to render thanks and praise before God's holy seat on Mount Zion;" or "Each in his turn shall appear before God's throne in the true Zion, heaven."
They go from strength to strength. Their spiritual course is one of continually greater vitality and vigour. Every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. Either "Each in his turn appears to render thanks and praise before God's holy seat on Mount Zion;" or "Each in his turn shall appear before God's throne in the true Zion, heaven."
8O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
The Pulpit Commentary
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer. The prayer of Psa_84:9. Give ear, O God of Jacob (comp. Psa_20:1; Psa_46:7, Psa_46:11; Psa_75:9; Psa_76:6; Psa_81:1, Psa_81:4, etc.).
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer. The prayer of Psa_84:9. Give ear, O God of Jacob (comp. Psa_20:1; Psa_46:7, Psa_46:11; Psa_75:9; Psa_76:6; Psa_81:1, Psa_81:4, etc.).
9Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
9. God is addressed as a shield (compare Psa 84:11).
thine anointed--David (1Sa 16:12).
9. God is addressed as a shield (compare Psa 84:11).
thine anointed--David (1Sa 16:12).
The Pulpit Commentary
Behold, O God our Shield; i.e. ' 'our Protection and Defense" (comp. Psa_33:20; Psa_59:11; Psa_89:18). And look upon the face of thine anointed. Regard our Mug with favour; let the light of thy countenance shine upon him.
Behold, O God our Shield; i.e. ' 'our Protection and Defense" (comp. Psa_33:20; Psa_59:11; Psa_89:18). And look upon the face of thine anointed. Regard our Mug with favour; let the light of thy countenance shine upon him.
10For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10. I had ... doorkeeper--literally, "I choose to sit on the threshold," the meanest place.
10. I had ... doorkeeper--literally, "I choose to sit on the threshold," the meanest place.
The Pulpit Commentary
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand; i.e. than any number of days elsewhere. It is difficult to trace any connection between these concluding verses. They appear to consist of distinct thoughts, which arise in the writer's mind, and are jotted down as they occur to him. One is a thought of loyalty, which finds vent in a prayer for the king (Psa_84:9). Another is a reflection of the main thought of the psalm, the incomparable blessedness of dwelling in God's house. A third (Psa_84:11, Psa_84:12) is the joy and glory of perpetual communion with God and trust in God. See the remarks of Professor Cheyne. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God; literally, at the threshold; but the meaning is well expressed by the Authorized Version. "Doorkeepers in the house of their God" was exactly what the Korahite Levites were (1Ch_9:19; 1Ch_26:1, 1Ch_26:12-19). Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. As their ancestor, Korah, had done (Num_16:26).
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand; i.e. than any number of days elsewhere. It is difficult to trace any connection between these concluding verses. They appear to consist of distinct thoughts, which arise in the writer's mind, and are jotted down as they occur to him. One is a thought of loyalty, which finds vent in a prayer for the king (Psa_84:9). Another is a reflection of the main thought of the psalm, the incomparable blessedness of dwelling in God's house. A third (Psa_84:11, Psa_84:12) is the joy and glory of perpetual communion with God and trust in God. See the remarks of Professor Cheyne. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God; literally, at the threshold; but the meaning is well expressed by the Authorized Version. "Doorkeepers in the house of their God" was exactly what the Korahite Levites were (1Ch_9:19; 1Ch_26:1, 1Ch_26:12-19). Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. As their ancestor, Korah, had done (Num_16:26).
11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11-12. As a sun God enlightens (Psa 27:1); as a shield He protects.
grace--God's favor, its fruit--
glory--the honor He bestows.
uprightly--(Psa 15:2; 18:23).
11-12. As a sun God enlightens (Psa 27:1); as a shield He protects.
grace--God's favor, its fruit--
glory--the honor He bestows.
uprightly--(Psa 15:2; 18:23).
The Pulpit Commentary
For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; i.e. not only a "Shield" or protection, as he has been already called (Psa_84:9), but also a "Sun," the source of life and light, of joy and happiness (comp. Isa_60:19, Isa_60:20; Mal_4:2). The Lord will give grace and glory. Inward grace, outward splendour and glory (Rev_21:11-24). No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly (see 1Co_2:9; 1Ti_4:8; and Psa_34:10).
For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; i.e. not only a "Shield" or protection, as he has been already called (Psa_84:9), but also a "Sun," the source of life and light, of joy and happiness (comp. Isa_60:19, Isa_60:20; Mal_4:2). The Lord will give grace and glory. Inward grace, outward splendour and glory (Rev_21:11-24). No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly (see 1Co_2:9; 1Ti_4:8; and Psa_34:10).
12O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
The Pulpit Commentary
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee (comp. Psa_2:12).
O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee (comp. Psa_2:12).
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 84
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
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