By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, Office for Global Engagement, University of Mobile
HIS PRESENCE
Psalm 84:1–12
Our psalm this week is another from Book Three (Psalms 73–89), written primarily by Asaph and the sons of Korah. First Chronicles 26 lists the sons of Korah as “gatekeepers” who were assigned their responsibilities by David. They then cast lots for their duty schedule (1 Chron. 26:1, 13). This provides historical and cultural context for the author’s reference to being a doorkeeper in the house of God (Ps. 84:10).
Passion (1–4)
Our lyricist loved the temple in Jerusalem. Note how he highlights “Your dwelling place,” “Your altars” and “Your house.” His focus, however, was not on the edifice itself, but the One with whom he met there: “Lord of Hosts,” “living God” and “my God and King.”
The psalmist’s observations within the temple are clear from the reference to birds finding shelter in the building. Like the sparrow and the swallow, he finds shelter there. He too lifts his voice in joyful praise to God.
Priority (5–7)
The author’s reference to the highways, the Valley of Baca and the rains forming pools of water all point to the need for strength in hiking through the hills of Judah. Making the pilgrimage to Mount Zion was challenging and traveling to and from Jerusalem could be dangerous. Remember the merchant in our Lord’s parable of the Good Samaritan.
“Next year in Jerusalem.” This favorite Jewish adage retains the desire of the Hebrew people longing to make their pilgrimage to the site of Solomon’s temple and later the second temple. Even to this day, tourists and pilgrims from Jewish, Muslim and Christian backgrounds visit the ancient mount where the one true God agreed to meet with His people. We must be careful, though, to keep in mind the words of Jesus to the woman at Sychar: “An hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. … God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:21, 24).
Prayer (8–9)
These two verses voice a bold prayer on behalf of the anointed one. Author Derek Kidner, in his Psalms commentary (Tyndale OT Commentaries) suggests that this may have been from a time of national calamity, as in the time when King Jehoiachin was deported by the Babylonians (2 Kings 24:15; Lam. 4:20).
The apostle Paul instructs followers of Christ to pray for those in authority (1 Tim. 2:1–2). Believers may find it easy to identify the faults of a president, a governor, a mayor, a boss, a pastor or a dad. We will discover, however, that when we pray for those in authority over us, we will see the hand of God move in unmistakable ways.
Presence (10–12)
This psalmist was born to be a doorkeeper. Standing at the gate was the assignment granted his fathers by the great King David himself. His whole life, he knew that the time would come and the lot would fall for his division to serve at the temple gates. He would finally have the chance to do what he was born to do. The very thought of that experience brought him joy. He was truly grateful for God’s favor, honor and blessing on his life.
May the followers of Jesus find joy in the presence of God as they gather to worship the Lord. “Better a day in Your courts than a thousand anywhere else” (v. 10).
Share with others: