This group of Psalms culminates in one of my all-time favorites: Psalm 84. Like many of the Psalms, the pictures of reliance that are painted here occur as we cling to God in the ups and downs of life. The sons of Korah saw God as their shield and shelter – a covering for themselves as well as others who acknowledge that the world is a hard, dangerous place. Numbers 16 will refresh/get you started on who these writers were.
Remember to put yourself into the context as you read. Israel was in the care of her Father. She was the apple of His eye. He had moved heaven and earth to bring her the truth – to set her free.
I had to choose two favorites from this Psalm. Had to.
For the choir director; on the Gittith. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. (this is a stringed harp – Git tith?)
PSALM 84
“How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts! My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. The bird also has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young: Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah.
How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion! Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; the early rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength, every one of them appears before God in Zion.
O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah.
Behold our shield, O God, and look upon the face of Your anointed.
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.
I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!”
Enjoy – our traveling, sheltering friend!
Here’s to a heart-solid week for you and those whom you love.
Dave & Burnadette