Psalm 84

Longing to be in the Lord's house as the sparrow and swallow have nests
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Text
Explanation
This beautiful psalm represents the time David was in exile away from the temple. It reveals:
   1. Happiness of those who can be in the temple (verses 1-4; 9-11)
   2. Happiness of those who travel to the sanctuary (5-8)
   3. Happiness of those who can't go but trust God (1, 12)
 1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.>> How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! 
.2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
  Tabernacles Or "dwelling places.
  Soul ... heart ... flesh The type of desire we may pray for and that will give us a hatred for sin.
  Living God He is real and He cares. How much greater than materialism or idols ps04202. Compare re0702, he0312, jn0669.
 3 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.
 4 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.
  Swallow a nest Following the thought of v2, we see that even the little birds can fly into and around the temple (no glass or screens then). What a blessing! And are we reluctant to go to the house of the Lord?
 5 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.
  6 - Baca The meaning of this Hebrew word is unknown. It is usually translated "mulberry trees" in the KJV. Early Latin and Greek translations have "tears." The NASB margin says "Probably 'weeping' or 'balsam trees.'" Compare 2sa0523.
  7 - Strength to strength As we overcome sin in one area, we are stronger to resist others. Compare 2pe0318.
 8 ¶ O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.
 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
 10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 
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 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
 12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
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