Day 162

Psalm 84 Part 1

These sons of Korah were Levites, from the family of Kohath. By David’s time, they served in the musical aspect of temple worship (2Chronicles 20:19). Korah had led a rebellion of 250 community leaders against Moses during the wilderness days of the Exodus (Numbers 16). God judged Korah and his leaders and they all died, but the sons of Korah remained (Numbers 26:9-11). Perhaps they were so grateful for this mercy that they became notable in Israel for praising God.

Charles Spurgeon said of Psalm 84, “If the twenty-third be the most popular, the one-hundred-and-third the most joyful, the one-hundred-and-nineteenth the most deeply experiential, the fifty-first the most plaintive, this is one of the sweetest of the Psalms of Peace.”
A ‘son’ of Korah composed this psalm in the days of the tabernacle. The affection is clear; he ‘loved’ the house of God, whether it was in a tent or a permanent building. He considered it beautiful, ‘lovely.’ His expressions show us that his feelings were inexpressible.

This speaks to all who come to the house of God today. They must come without a primary focus upon programs, social connections, entertainment, excitement, or self-improvement; they must come with the primary focus and expectation of meeting with ‘the living God.’
The mention of the sparrow (v3) is an example of a bird of small significance and the swallow is a picture of restlessness. Likewise, the insignificant can find his place in the house of God, and the restless person can find rest (nest) there – near God’s altar. At the altar of God, a faithful soul finds freedom from care and sorrow, quiet of mind, and gladness of spirit; like a bird in the lofts that had secured a little mansion for the reception and education of her young.

‘My King and my God:’ The double ‘my’ (v4) is very precious; he lays hold upon his God with both his hands! The poet’s love and longing for the house of God are not meant as an escape from the world but as a preparation for life in the world. Is this not one of our purposes for church attendance.