Psalms in Poetic Form: Psalm 84

Click here to read PSALM 84 in poetic form

Background

Psalm 84 is in the Leviticus book of the Psalms (73—89). The Old Testament book of Leviticus focuses on matters in the sanctuary: the priesthood, ceremonial laws, and feasts. Almost all of these 17 Psalms mention the sanctuary and God’s relation to it. Psalm 84 shows the great blessings of those who worship God in the sanctuary. Jesus Christ made it available to worship the Father “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

The title includes “for the sons of Korah.” This is used seven times in the Exodus book (Psalms 44-49). Since Psalms 42 and 43 are a unit, the first seven Psalms in the Exodus book begin in this way. Psalm 84 is the first of four times (Psalms 84,85,87,88) this heading occurs in the “Leviticus” book in the Psalms.

Regarding the sons of Korah, I Chronicles 9:19 says: “And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the Lord, were keepers of the entry.” They were responsible for service in the tabernacle and later the Temple.

This Psalm is divided into three sections by the Hebrew term “Selah,” which means to pause. Some Bible teachers say this connected the truths that come before and after the term.  

Structure 

(Verses 1-4) Blessing of those praising God in His house

Pause

(Verses 5-8) Blessing of those strong in God in Zion

Pause

(Verses 9-12) Blessing of those trusting God in His courts

Key Scriptures

Verse 1—“How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!” This can be translated, “How beloved are Your dwelling places.”

Verses 1-10—Note the references to God’s dwelling places. “Thy tabernacles” (verse 1); “the courts of the Lord” (verse 2); “Thine altars” (verse 3); “Thy house” (verse 4); “in Zion” (verse 7); “Thy courts” and “the house of my God” (verse 10). These are in contrast to worldly dwellings: the sparrow’s house and the swallow’s nest (verse 3); “the tents of wickedness” (verse 10).

Verse 9—”Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed [Messiah].” God was the shield and protector for His Son, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Jesus knew that he could go to the Father for help when needed. During his time of great trial, Jesus said, “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions (about 7,200) of angels?” (Matthew 26:53).

FOR FURTHER STUDY

All 150 of The Psalms in Poetic Form are available from Amazon in a book, either Large Print or a smaller Bedside Reader. Also available for free with a Kindle Unlimited membership. Enjoy!

The entire blog series is now available in the publication The Psalms: Background & Structure with Key Scriptures Explained.