Rex H. Henderson

PSALM 84

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. 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. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. 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. 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. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. (Psalm 84, KJV)

Psalm 84

The Psalm of the Doorkeeper

Psalm 84 stands out above the collection
For it’s high and uplifting sentiment,
And the beauty of images. It is the
Sweetest of the psalms of peace.

A son of the Korahites a “doorkeeper”
In the Temple crafted this song,
His was the ultimate joy of God’s
Presence that filled his soul.

The people who served in God’s house
Yearned and even fainted for His presence.
They made God their home, and found
Joy and security in the blessed house.

The Temple, God’s house was a blessing
In three ways: 1. For those who dwell in the
House. 2. For those who make their way to
God’s house. 3. For those who trust God.

Their objective was not the house, but God.
Today the Church is our place of meeting.
If we desire a home warm, safe, and sheltered,
Like the swallows, nestle near God’s altar.

Sparrows and swallows, symbols of no value,
Were nesting under the Temple eaves.
We, like sparrows, find beneath the Cross
Of Jesus, value and a resting place.

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