Explanation: In Psalm 84 the Psalmist expresses his longing for God in language similar to Psalm 42. Each stanza begins with the closing thought or word from the previous stanza. This is a literary device called "pearling," meaning that the thoughts are "strung together," like a string of pearls. The occasion and author are unknown, but the tone is Davidic; and the circumstances fit the rebellion of Absalom in various ways, especially if we infer forced absence from the Tabernacle. The painting above represents the swallow which builds its nest in the altars of the LORD, as mentioned in the third verse.

          [ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: 2 Samuel 15-18. Psalm 42. ]

          [ CHRONOLOGY: GENERAL. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]

          [ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]

          [ COMMENTARIES, ETC: GENERAL: Bible Study Tools; Bible Hub: Study Light; Blue Letter Bible // PSALMS: Monergism: Precept Austin: The Treasury of David; John Gill; John Calvin - Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

          [ MUSIC: GENERAL: The Cyber Hymnal // PSALMS: Genevan Psalter (Instrumental). VARIOUS ARTISTS: Psalm 84 - #1. Psalm 84 - #2. Psalm 84 - #3. Psalm 84 - #4. Psalm 84 - #5. Psalm 84 - #6. Psalm 84 - #7. Psalm 84 - [Spoken]. ]

     The Psalmist, perhaps David, expresses his very deep desire to dwell in the courts of the God's House, the Tabernacle. He calls God's House "amiable" (beloved) and says that his soul longs (pines) and even faints for the courts of the LORD; his heart and his flesh cries out for the living God. He notes that sparrows and swallows nest in God's altar; and he calls those who dwell in God's house "blessed"; and says that they will be filled with singing (1-4). Also blessed is the one who derives his strength from the LORD and walks in his ways. They go through a valley of weeping ("Baca") and make it a well; and the rain fills the pools. They go from strength to strength; and they appear before God (as he longed to do). So he asks God to hear his prayer (5-8). He asks God to be his shield and to look on his face (thereby asking for a face-to-face encounter with God -- not merely to be near God). He wishes for these things because a day in God's courts is better than a thousand days elsewhere. He would rather be a doorkeeper (a guarder of the threshold) than to live in the tents of wickedness because the LORD is a sun and a shield; he will give grace and glory; and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. The one who trusts in Him is blessed (9-12).