Read Psalms 84 in the King James Bible (opens in a new tab)
Psalm 84 expresses deep longing for the LORD’s dwelling place and the joy of drawing near to Him in worship. The psalmist calls God’s house lovely, describing a heart and flesh that “cry out” for the living God, and even the sparrow finding a home near His altars. Those who dwell with God and those who set their hearts on pilgrimage to Zion are called blessed, gaining strength as they pass through dry places that become refreshed. The prayer asks the LORD to look upon His anointed and to hear the worshipper’s plea. The chapter’s central message is that one day in God’s courts surpasses thousands elsewhere, because the LORD Himself is the believer’s sun, shield, and gracious giver.
Psalms 84:1 - 84:12
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.