Psalms 84 - Printer Friendly

The Sons of Korah appear to be a collection of temple singers associated with worship (2 Chronicles 20:19). This psalm may be dedicated to them or written in a style associated with their ministry. Likewise, the term gittiyth may mean a musical pattern or a specific instrument. Other psalms that directly mention the Sons of Korah are Psalms 42, 44—49, 85, and 87—88. Psalms 42 and 43 involve closely related themes.

The psalmist is overjoyed at the thought of worshipping in the temple. The song notes that birds make nests near the altars; this would have been literally true, and the psalmist may be wishing he could also live so close to the Lord's presence. Mention of birds may also imply the safety which comes from being close to God (Psalm 84:1–4).

Jewish males were required to attend three designated celebrations in Jerusalem if they lived close enough to make the journey (Deuteronomy 16:16). This psalm speaks of their joy: they get stronger as they come closer, despite their long travels. Even the hardships of the journey seem pleasant because their path leads to Zion: another name for the city of Jerusalem (Psalm 84:5–7).

God is the "LORD of hosts:" the commander of the armies of heaven. The psalmist appeals to God's power and protection for those who honor Him. To be at the center of worship for a single day is better than being anywhere else for years. The Hebrew phrase often interpreted to mean a "doorkeeper" most commonly means standing or laying at the threshold. The psalmist would rather take that humble position than live in relative comfort with those who do not love the Lord (Psalm 84:8–12).

Psalm 84:1–4 express the psalmist's love for the temple. This is not inspired by duty or obligation. Rather, this is deep love for the Lord and His sanctuary. To "dwell," in these contexts, implies deliberate and habitual time spent. The psalm mentions birds who live near the altars. This might poetically refer to the safety which comes in God's presence. Or it may be the psalmist yearning to truly live in the temple as do these birds.

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.

Psalm 84:8–12 closes the song with a plea for God to hear prayers for protection and safety. The reference to God as the "LORD of Hosts" refers to His command of the armies of heaven. The psalmist's love for God is so great that he would rather take the humblest location in the temple—God's house—than to live anywhere else.

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.