Psalms 84

Ps 84 The psalmist expresses his deep spiritual longing for God’s presence. He faints with longing as he reflects on the Temple and on pilgrims making the journey to Jerusalem (84:1-7). He prays for himself and for the community (84:8-9). The conclusion of the psalm (84:10-12) clarifies that the Temple represents God—the psalmist truly longs for God’s presence. He knows that God’s goodness is greater than life and that only God can give his people favor and honor (84:10-11).84:1-4 The psalmist is far from the Temple. He turns toward it in hopeful reflection.

84:3 The poet envies the birds that have nesting places in and around the Temple.

84:4 The priests and Temple personnel lived in the Temple.

84:5-7 The pilgrimage to Jerusalem reenacted the Exodus, when God marvelously provided for his people (see 78:15-16; 105:41). The psalmist imagines the pains of travel turning to the joy of arrival.84:5 Travelers needed strength to meet the challenges of pilgrimage by foot along unpaved paths, in all kinds of weather and with the possibility of assaults.

84:6 The Valley of Weeping probably refers to the anguish that lonely pilgrims endured (see 23:4), rather than to an actual location. • refreshing springs . . . autumn rains: Even when pilgrims feel totally exhausted, the prospect of drawing near to the Lord renews their spirits (cp. Isa 35:6-10; 41:18-20; 43:17-20; 49:10).

84:9 Both kings and priests were anointed to dedicate them for service (see 132:17; Exod 28:41; 1 Sam 9:16; 16:1-13; cp. Isa 61:1; Acts 10:38).

84:10 The psalmist viewed being in God’s presence as much better than being anywhere else.

84:11 Some people worshiped the sun as a god, but the true God provides all that anyone needs.