Psalm 84: A Real Believer Longs to be in God’s Special Presence

This psalm is classified by some as a Song of Zion and by others as a Pilgrim song. It is not that simple, however, because it also contains a hymn, a lament, and a royal reference (like a Royal Song.) This Psalm, then has a mixture of genres and unclear time references. It would have been usable in its present form before the temple was built and after the temple was built. Psalm 83 was written by one of the descendants of Asaph (A Levitical singer in the tabernacle and temple worship). Psalm 84 was written by the sons of Korah. This shows God’s grace, as Korah was a Levite that rebelled against Moses (Numbers 16) and the adult males in his family were punished. But the children grew up to be temple guards between the court of the men of Israel and the Holy place where only the Levites and Priests could enter (1 Chron 9:19). Their ancestors' sin did not exclude them from service for God. The tune for the song was named “Gath” and may have come from the Philistine village by that same name. There are three statements of blessedness in this Psalm.

 

  I. The believer longs to be in the special presence of God (vs. 1–4)

     A. Nothing is more beautiful than being in the presence of God in corporate worship.

     B. The Old Covenant tabernacle and then the Temple was the one place on all the earth where the Shekinah glory of God remained for a time

     C. David experienced this longing for corporate worship while running from Absalom

     D. All the males 20 years old and higher were to come to the temple three times a year

     E. The Levites had cities of refuge in which to live all over Israel and rotating duties in the temple. During their turn away from corporate worship, the real believers longed for it

     F. Yahveh Tsavot, LORD of armies, hosts, multitudes, M. Luther's hymn, “Lord Sabaoth his name,” NIV LORD Almighty. The eternally present covenant keeping God who is the all-powerful Creator of multitudes of planets, stars, and angels—which all obey His command. He is also Creator and LORD of groups of human worshipers.

    G. The God of the Bible is this worshiper’s chief treasure and joy. He deeply desires to corporately worship God. This flows out of private worship.

         1. Legalism and asceticism vs. devotion and pleasure in God

         2. Treasure and priorities

. . . for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt 6:21 NASB)

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Matt 6:24 ESV)

But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matt 6:33 NET)

Not only that, but I consider everything a disadvantage in comparison with the supreme value of knowing the Messiah Yeshua as my Lord. It was because of him that I gave up everything and regard it all as garbage, in order to gain the Messiah: (Phil 3:8 CJB)

     H. The common birds that live on the temple complex are blessed. I long to be at the house of worship and I am jealous of even the birds that live there. Alternate: Like a bird is home in a nest, I am home when I am near the altar of atonement

      I. How much more are the people privileged that can participate in the corporate worship of God just as it is explained in the Bible

      J. The Christian is to have the same love for God, the Messiah, and for the gathered believers who are also God’s temple (Matt 22:37; John 2:19, 13:34–35; 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19)

      K. Yahveh of armies is My King and My God. Those that know God cannot stop praising Him. He is so gracious, wonderful, amazing, willing to postpone judgment, creative, Sovereign, awesome

 

 II. The believer travels to worship God according to the Bible (vs. 5–7)

      A. The Pilgrim is heading home to worship Yahveh

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul (1 Pet 2:11 NASB)

      B. His inner man is centered on the worship of Yahveh. He travels through the dry valley of weeping (balsam trees) with others who love God

      C. Together they bring a blessing on a barren place

      D. God is their strength (Isa 40:28–31; 2 Cor 3:18; Phil 4:13)

      E. The pilgrims are heading to the place of worship, Zion, Mount Moriah.

      F. God has the refreshment we need when we go through difficult times. Don’t seek out broken cisterns, go to the living water who alone can satisfy your soul

 

III. The believer prays for people in leadership (vs. 8–9)

      A. The shield or defense, is parallel to the Anointed One (Messiach)

      B. The High Priest, King, and prophets were anointed.

      C. Most take this to be a prayer for the King, but some for Aaron’s decedent, the high priest

      D. Why pray for the line of David? The Messiah is coming in that line

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1Tim 2:1-2 ESV)

 

IV. The believer supremely values corporate worship and personal holiness (vs. 10–11)

    A. There can be no better place to be than with God’s people in worship

    B. The Korahites guarded the entrance to the holy place, the priests' gatekeepers

    C. It is all about a person, not just a place. Yahveh is the Sun and Shield. If you long to know God, your desire will be answered if you will surrender to obey Him

 

 V. The believer shares his faith with other people (vs. 12)

      A. The one who longs to be in Yahveh of armies' special presence tells others about Him

      B. Do you want to be in state of providential blessing? Trust God. Love God. Faith is key.

 

Lessons to live by:

• How important is God to me? Do I love Him with all that I am? What priority do I place on public worship? God inhabits the praise of His people
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• Do I delight in Jesus and seek His pleasure and will in my life?
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• Do I serve Him each day in His strength, from strength to strength?
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• Do I deeply trust God and live by faith each day? Do I live in a holy, upright, godly way?
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• This psalm reminds me that God wants my delight to be in the LORD, My strength is to be in the LORD, My trust is to be in the LORD
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•  The gather church is the sweetest place on all the earth. (C. Spurgeon)
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•    Loving God, depending on God, and worshiping God leads to an even greater trust in God. He is the LORD Almighty!

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