Psalm 84:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

NIV: Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

NASB: Blessed is the person whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the roads to Zion!

CSB: Happy are the people whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

NLT: What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

KJV: Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.

NKJV: Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage.

Psalm 84:5–7 discuss the pilgrims who obediently come to the temple in Jerusalem, referred to here as Zion. This was required three times a year for all males who could make the journey (Deuteronomy 16:16). Knowing they are traveling to worship the Lord, these pilgrims find joy even when their travels are hard. Rather than being worn out and tired, their intense love for God makes them feel stronger the closer they are to the temple.

For those who love God, the temple is a place of intense joy and security. The psalmist would rather be there than anywhere else—even if it means being in the humblest postures. Pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem are encouraged to know that their destination is the temple. This makes even the long journey easy, and its hardships seem pleasant. The song appeals to God for His protection over those who honor and praise Him.

This psalm includes similar themes as psalms 42 and 43: deep desire to worship God. The Sons of Korah are a group of official singers (2 Chronicles 20:19); the psalms attached to them are likely written in a particular style or intended for their use. The subject matter implies that this is a pilgrimage song for those traveling to Jerusalem for the required festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). The word gittiyth implies a kind of winepress; here it may mean a style or an instrument. Other songs associated with the Sons of Korah are Psalms 42, 44–49, 84—85, and 87—88.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 12/18/2024 1:08:52 PM