Psalms 84

Longing for God’s House

For the choir director: on the Gittith. # 84:title Pss 8; 81 titles A psalm of the sons of Korah.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,

Lord of Armies.  * 84:1 Ps 43:3; 132:5

2 I long and yearn

for the courts of the  Lord;

my heart and flesh cry out for  * 84:2 Or flesh shout for joy to  the living God.  * 84:2 Ps 42:1–2; 63:1

3 Even a sparrow finds a home,

and a swallow, a nest for herself

where she places her young —

near your altars, Lord  of Armies,

my King and my God.  * 84:3 Ps 5:2; 43:4

4 How happy are those who reside in your house,

who praise you continually.  * 84:4 Ps 65:4Selah

5 Happy are the people whose strength is in you,

whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.  * 84:5 Ps 119:2; 122:1

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,  * 84:6 Or Valley of Tears

they make it a source of spring water;

even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings.  * 84:6 Or pools,* 84:6 Ezk 34:26; Jl 2:23

7 They go from strength to strength;

each appears before God in Zion.  * 84:7 Pr 4:18; Is 40:31

8 Lord God of Armies, hear my prayer;

listen, God of Jacob.  * 84:8 Ps 39:12; 54:2; 86:6Selah

9 Consider our shield,  * 84:9 = the king God;  * 84:9 Ps 3:3; 115:9–11

look on the face of your anointed one.  * 84:9 1Sm 2:10; 2Ch 6:42; Ps 132:17

10 Better a day in your courts

than a thousand anywhere else.

I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God

than live in the tents of wicked people.  * 84:10 Ps 27:4

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield.  * 84:11 Ps 3:3; 5:12; 18:2; 28:7; 119:114; Is 60:19–20; Rv 21:23

The Lord grants favor and honor;

he does not withhold the good

from those who live with integrity.  * 84:11 Pr 2:7

12 Happy is the person who trusts in you,

Lord of Armies!  * 84:12 Ps 40:4