otcanon
Psalms 84
A pilgrimage psalm whose longing moves from the outer courts inward to Jehovah himself — the living God who is both sun and shield, grace and glory. The psalmist marks a progression: those who traverse the valley of Baca (a waterless place of weeping) transform it into a well, then go from strength to strength until they appear before God in Zion. That ascent is not metaphor; it is covenant movement from trial toward literal presence. Verse 9 pivots to intercession for the anointed — the one set apart to stand before Jehovah on behalf of the people — anchoring the psalm in the Holy Order pattern.
1
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.
