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Psalm 84, one of the sweetest psalms, reflects the joy of the holy assemblies of the Lord’s house.  To once again stand in the courts of the Lord was the soul-longing of the Psalmist.  So deep and insatiable was his pining that he could not be silent; he cried out for God and His house:  “My heart and my flesh crieth for the living God” (v. 2b).   He wept, sighed and pleaded for the privilege.  “Some need to be whipped to church, while here is David crying for it” – C H Spurgeon.  May we learn precious lessons as we continue the study of this meaningful psalm.

Yea, 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  (v. 3)

The psalmist’s yearning for the sanctuary was so great that he begrudged the happiness of the little birds that lived around the house of God and fed on the stray crumbs in the courts.  It was as if they must be happy to be so near to God, and to dwell peaceably there.  David, in exile, envied them their privileges.  He wished that he, too, could attend the solemn assemblies and enjoy a little of the heavenly food.

This leads us to another thought.  By permitting these small birds the privilege of setting up their nests by His altar, the Lord manifested His providential and tender care for the least of His creatures.  Someone aptly puts it : “God fails not to find a house for the most worthless, and a nest for the most restless of birds.”

Though the psalmist could not be present, he uttered his devotion from afar.  Though he could not draw nigh to the sanctuary, he acknowledged the Lord’s sovereignty and power : “O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.”  Though in exile, he was not a rebel.  “The double ‘my’ is very precious; he lays hold upon his God with both his hands, as one resolved not to let Him go till the favour requested be at length accorded” – Spurgeon.

Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be still praising Thee. Selah  (v. 4)

The psalmist envied the ministers of God whose blessed privilege was to be constantly engaged in divine worship and service. The reference is to the priests and Levites.  In his eyes, they were highly favoured who had their permanent abode near the tabernacle and the temple, and who were wholly devoted to the sacred duties of worship.  On “they will be still praising Thee”: John Trapp has this comment - “As having hearts full of heaven, and consciences full of comfort, there cannot but be music in the temple of the Holy Ghost.”

Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.  6 Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.    7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.   8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob.  Selah (vv. 5-8)

Having spoken of the blessedness of the servants of God, the psalmist now turned his attention to those who were favoured to visit it (v. 5).  Travelling the road to the great assembly, the joyful pilgrims found refreshment even in the weariest part of the road (v. 6).  The joys of traversing the heavenly road made the pilgrims forget the discomforts of the journey.   Instead of being wearied, the pilgrims gathered strength and courage to persevere on (v. 7).  Duties that were otherwise difficult and dreary were made easy and delightful. “Each individual becomes happier, each company becomes more numerous, each holy song more sweet and full.  We grow as we advance if Heaven be our goal” –Spurgeon.

In v. 8, the psalmist pleaded that while the Lord attended to the united supplication of His saints, He should not shut out his solitary petition.  Like the patriarch Jacob, he wrestled alone with the Lord  - “ I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me” (Gen. 32: 26).  David beseeched the Lord for a blessing – “till Thou speak the word of grace into my soul.”  What a mercy it is that if we cannot gather with the saints, we can still plead before the throne of grace.  “Selah” – A pause was needed here after such a vehement, heart-felt and earnest cry; the word also implies a period of quiet contemplation.

The following are the first four stanzas of a beautifully written song (German Choral Music) based on Psalm 84.  As we continue our study of the psalm, I will reproduce the corresponding portions for our edification.

 
1.  Lord of hosts, how lovely in mine eyes
The tents where Thou dost dwell!
For Thine abode my spirit faints and sighst;
The courts I love so well.
My longing soul is weary
Within Thy house to be;
This world is waste and dreary,
A desert land to me.

2. The sparrow, Lord, hath found a shelter’d home,
The swallow hath her nest;
She layeth there her young, and though she roam,
Returneth there to rest.
I, to Thine altar flying,
Would there for ever be;
My heart and flesh are crying;
O Living God, for Thee!

 3. How blest are they who in Thy house abide!
Thee evermore they praise.
How strong the man whom Thou alone dost guide,
Whose heart doth keep Thy ways.
A pilgrim and a stranger,
He leaneth on Thine arm;
And Thou, in time of danger,
Dost shield him from alarm.

4. From strength to strength through Baca’s vale of woe,
They pass along in prayer,
And gushing streams of living water flow,
Dug by their faithful care;
Thy rain is sent from heaven
To fertilise the land,
And wayside grace is given
Till they in Zion stand.