Bible Study
by Richard Moore
Lesson 9
Psalm 84
Day One
Precious Tabernacles of God
Psalm 84:1
"He knew that God had not in vain appointed the holy assemblies, and that the godly have need of
such helps so long as they are sojourners in this world. He was also deeply sensible of his own
infirmity; nor was he ignorant how far short he came of approaching the perfection of angels. He had
therefore good ground to lament over his being deprived of those means, the utility of which is well
known to all true believers. His attention was, no doubt, directed to the proper end for which the
external ritual was appointed; for his character was widely different from that of hypocrites, who, while
they frequent the solemn assemblies with great pomp, and seem to burn with ardent zeal in serving
God, yet in all this, aim at nothing more than by an ostentatious display of piety to obtain the credit of
having performed their duty towards Him. David’s mind was far from being occupied with this gross
imagination. The end he had in view in desiring so earnestly to enjoy free access to the sanctuary was,
that he might there worship God with sincerity of heart, and in a spiritual manner." Commentary by
Calvin.
Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
Psalm 48:1-3 "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the
mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides
of the north, the city of the great King. God is known in her palaces for a refuge."
Read Also: Psalm 87:2-3; Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 103:20-21; Isaiah 38:22; Revelation 21:22-23
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. What do you know about the sons of Korah?
2. Why do you think that the Psalmist wrote this song or Psalm for the sons of Korah if the
heading is correct?
3. What does the term "amiable" mean?
4 Why do you think the Psalmist used the plural term "tabernacles"?
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5. Why does the Psalmist find the tabernacles of God so precious?
6. To whom does the term "hosts" refer?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
First, we look briefly at the heading of this Psalm, to the chief musician upon a harp (Gittith), A
Psalm for the sons of Korah. This probably is a Psalm of David, of which, he authored many to be
sung, the fact that the Psalm refers later to Zion does not preclude this as some would contend, because
it seems as though he may have composed this during the time when he fled Saul. It is true that some
of the Psalms that David wrote were first sung before the time when Zion would be the place where the
tabernacle would rest, and the temple would be built, however before they were written out time passed
and could have easily have been written in the form we have it at the time when Zion became
prominent as the place where God would dwell with His people. But already now Jerusalem was the
place of worship and the tabernacle would be there.
In this connection the sons of Korah are singled out by this heading as those for whom this Psalm
was prepared. Korah was a Levite, who rebelled against God with Abiram, and Dathan, and these were
destroyed by God by the earth opening and by fire. However, the Scripture tells us that the sons of
Korah were not destroyed. cf. Numbers 26:11. Now these sons of Korah retained a place among the
Levites and were porters (doorkeepers) in the tabernacle, with the responsibility for keeping watch over
the gates of the tabernacle. Perhaps it was a fitting Psalm that they could sing of the preciousness of
the tabernacle to God's people as they kept the gates of the tabernacle. Anyway they did have a place
in Israel even though their father had committed a horrible sin and died in judgment.
Secondly, we turn to the text itself and hear the Psalmist extol the tabernacles of Jehovah. Those
tabernacles are the object of his love, the idea of amiable is that of deep love. The term speaks of a
certain passion for the tabernacles of God. One that was made stronger by David's being kept from the
tabernacle of God by the enemies that forced him out of Jerusalem, and kept him from the formal
worship of God. The plural may indicate that David has in mind the various dwelling places of God
with His people as they had traveled from Mt. Sinai to Canaan, and then even for a time went from
place to place within the land of Canaan, or it may mean that David was not only finding precious the
tabernacle on earth, but also that which he would enjoy in heaven when he died. Probably the
reference to tabernacles in the plural leads one to believe that David considered the many assemblies of
God's people before the tabernacle, when they had opportunity to draw near to God to be led by Him.
David longed for the time to tabernacle with God, to come into His presence in the prescribed way, to
approach the tabernacle itself and attend unto God's word there, to witness the testimony of the
sacrifices there and to come under the blessing of His God under the priest appointed of God.
As David does this he calls upon God as Jehovah of hosts, acknowledging that Jehovah rules over
all things, and that as it were, he gathers his people to the battle of faith. The hosts include earthly and
heavenly hosts that God sets in array against the enemy of His kingdom. And David would dwell in
His presence in the sanctuary if at all possible.
So would we, and it is the reason we find the Lord's Day so precious, when God grants that we may
go up to the house of prayer on Sunday to be strengthened in the battle of faith.
Conclusion: How amiable to enter God's presence in our formal worship from week to week, and how
precious it will be to enter into the heavenly tabernacle when we pass from this life. How precious it is
that Christ has entered in through perfect sacrifice into the temple, so that the veil is rent and we may
dwell now with God through His Word by the power of His Spirit.
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Day Two
Longing for the Courts of Jehovah
Psalm 84:2
"David adds, that his soul fainteth after the courts of the Lord, which is equivalent to our pining
away, when, under the influence of extreme mental emotion, we are in a manner transported out of
ourselves. He speaks only of the courts of the tabernacle, because, not being a priest, it was not lawful
for him to go beyond the outer court. None but the priests, as is well known, were permitted to enter
into the inner sanctuary. In the close of the verse, he declares, that this longing extended itself even to
his body, that is, it manifested itself in the utterance of the mouth, the languor of the eyes, and the
action of the hands. The reason why he longed so intensely to have access to the tabernacle was, to
enjoy the living God; not that he conceived of God as shut up in so narrow a place as was the tent of
the ark, but he was convinced of the need he had of steps, by which to rise up to heaven, and knew that
the visible sanctuary served the purpose of a ladder, because, by it the minds of the godly were directed
and conducted to the heavenly model. And assuredly, when we consider that the sluggishness of our
flesh hinders us from elevating our minds to the height of the divine majesty, in vain would God call us
to himself, did he not at the same time, on his part, come down to us" Commentary by Calvin
“My soul longeth and faileth for the courts of the Lord:” hear how it holdeth out, rejoicing in hope:
“My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God.” Here they have rejoiced for that cause.
Whence cometh rejoicing, but of hope? Wherefore have they rejoiced? “In the living God.” What has
rejoiced in thee? “My heart and my flesh.” Commentary by Augustine
Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
"Psalm 63:1-2 "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh
longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I
have seen thee in the sanctuary."
Philippians 3:12-14 "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I
follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I
count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high
calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Read Also: Psalm 119:81; Isaiah 26:9; Psalm 122:1-2; Isaiah 58:13-14.
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. How is the longing of David's soul an expression of the depth of His finding God's
tabernacles amiable?
2. What does it means when the writer says his soul faints for the courts of Jehovah?
3. What is the distinction between heart and flesh in the second part of the verse?
4. Why does the Psalmist refer to God as the living God in this passage?
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A few thoughts concerning this passage:
David now gives expression to the depth of the passion or deep love he has for the tabernacles of
God. He longs for them, but even more we agree with Calvin that this is a cause of emotional strain for
the writer when he is not able to go to the tabernacle of God because of his enemy. This same pining
for going to the worship of the Lord in our day ought to be found in us. And it is when we cannot for a
time come under the true preaching of the Word. This happens to us when sickness or disease keeps us
from the house of God. And this shall also happen to us when we come under the persecution under
Antichrist, which persecution ever more swiftly draws near. The child of God finds great emotional
stress when he cannot receive the comforting power of God's Word delivered to him, now through the
preaching of the Word, then through the types of sacrifices and the prayers and blessings of the priests
at the tabernacle.
We too find that when deprived of the true preaching, either for a set time, or as it shall be for an
extended time under Antichrist, that our souls faint for the courts of the LORD. This is not to say when
God separates us from the preaching that we shall grow so faint as to spiritually die. But our soul will
long and pine for the nourishment of the Word of our Lord and Savior. Then we shall long for the day
of His return when we shall forever enter into the tabernacles of God, into His presence and into His
fellowship, to dwell with Him forever.
Indeed David speaks of the courts of Jehovah, because it was there he could bring his sacrifices and
there he would hear the declaration of blessing at the hands of the priesthood. So we long to hear the
preaching of the High Priest Jesus Christ, and the testimony of His sacrifice to end all sacrifices. David
could not enter the most holy place, only the high priest could do this, but in the courts of the
tabernacle, he witnessed the testimony that he would enjoy God's fellowship forever.
We too in our hearts and flesh, with our spiritual center of life, and through our outward expression
of faith long for and cry out for the living God. Indeed He lives, not only, but His is the power to give
life through His Beloved Son Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: David and we need to have the testimony of Jehovah that our sins are forgiven and that
we are heirs of life eternal. The writer also longed for the heavenly country with us, and where but in
the courts of the Lord are we fed and nourished unto this life.
Day Three
As A Sparrow
Psalm 84:3
"The altars, therefore, or (what this is meant to say without any need for taking 'et (OT:853) as a
preposition) the realm, province of the altars of Jahve-this is the house, this the nest which sparrow and
swallow have found for themselves and their young. The poet thereby only indirectly says, that birds
have built themselves nests on the Temple-house, without giving any occasion for the discussion
whether this has taken place in reality. By the bird that has found a comfortable snug home on the place
of the altars of Jahve in the Temple-court and in the Temple-house, he means himself. Commentary by
Keil and Delitzsch
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Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
Psalm 116:7-9 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk
before the LORD in the land of the living."
Read Also: Psalm91:1; Matthew 8:20; Psalm 104:10-12
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. What significance could there possibly be in the reference to two different birds?
2. What may be the significance of the fact that the birds have a place to lay their young?
3. How do the altars of God fit into this verse?
4. Why does this verse refer to God by three different names?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
This passage begins the answer to the writer's pining for the tabernacles of God. He uses the figure
of the birds of God's creation, and points out that they have a place to dwell and bring forth their
young. It matters not either, whether one finds a dwelling to be in or one builds a nest, each creature
really is given what they need to dwell in peace. David at the time of drawing up this Psalm does so
while in exile because of his enemies, and has no place to dwell. O! He could have dwelt with many an
unbeliever of his day, even in some of the nations round about Israel. But he would be separated from
the house of God, from the tabernacle, and from the nourishment of the Word which gives peace of
soul and life.
But he says the birds have a place given them to dwell and raise their young and God surely will
also give him the same. Now whether the text teaches that the swallow and the sparrows made their
home and nest at the tabernacle near the altar, and then we see it as a picture of David having a place
there, as Keil and Delitzsch suggest, and the writer uses this to express that his longing for the
tabernacles of God will be satisfied surely. Or whether, we take the Hebrew term that is translated in
the English, 'even' to mean a sign of the dwelling place at the altars which David so much desired, or
further to the root of the term, to mean "come" to thine altars. The idea is clearly that David's longing
for the tabernacle would be fulfilled, and he would come to the altars of the tabernacle where his
sacrifices could be made and assurance of forgiveness there also would be confirmed with the blessings
of God through the Priesthood on the basis of the sacrifice brought.
Thus he further exclaims, O Jehovah of hosts, my King and My God! The faithful covenant God is
his God, Jehovah. He is King and rules over David and over all of the creation including his enemies.
Further the Psalmist calls his King and his God, My King and My God. He is assured that he is within
the covenant of God, and thus too assured as surely, even more surely, than the birds are cared for by
God, so he shall be kept and shall dwell with His God in Jerusalem and at the tabernacle.
Our Lord also had no place to rest His head, but was assured of Father's care even unto the cross.
And as we are in Christ we know that we too shall be blessed in the courts of our God, for on the basis
of His sacrifice we are forgiven and have the assurance of entering into the eternal tabernacle of our
God.
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Conclusion: Not much more to be said about this verse, except to praise our King and Our God Who
certainly blesses us now at the earthly house of God under the preaching, but soon in glory for our
faithful Savior Jesus Christ's sake
Day Four
Blessed Dwelling in God's House
Psalm 84:4
"Here the Psalmist expresses more distinctly the proper and legitimate use of the sanctuary; and
thus he distinguishes himself from hypocrites, who are sedulously attentive to the observance of
outward ceremonies, but destitute of genuine heart godliness. David, on the contrary, testifies, that the
true worshippers of God offer to him the sacrifice of praise, which can never be dissociated from faith.
Never will a man praise God from the heart, unless, relying upon his grace, he is a partaker of spiritual
peace and joy." Commentary by Calvin
"If thou hast thy own house, thou art poor; if God’s, thou art rich. In thy own house thou wilt fear
robbers; of the house of God, He is Himself the wall. Therefore “blessed are those who dwell in Thy
house.” They possess the heavenly Jerusalem, without constraint, without pressure, without difference
and division of boundaries; all have it, and each have all. Great are those riches. Brother crowdeth not
brother: there is no want there. ... what will be the effect of that joy? how will it change us? “For we
shall be like Him, since we shall see Him as He is.” Being made like Him, when shall we ever faint?
what shall draw us off? Brethren, we shall never be satiated with the praise of God, with the love of
God. If love could fail, praise could fail. But if love be eternal, as there will there be beauty
inexhaustible, fear not lest thou be not able to praise for ever Him whom thou shalt be able to love for
ever. For this life let us sigh." Commentary by Augustine
Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
Psalm 27:4-6 "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the
house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his
temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall
he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies
round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing
praises unto the LORD."
Read Also: Psalm 65:4; Psalm 23:6; Psalm 145:1-2; Revelation 7:15.
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. What is it to dwell in the house of God now?
2. What does it mean to you that you will dwell in God's house in the future?
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3. What is the particular blessing of dwelling in the house of God?
4. What is the relationship between the first and second phrase in this verse?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
The Psalmist now rehearses the rich blessing of dwelling in the house of God. Those that dwell in
God's house are blessed he says. If we rely upon the house we can build on earth, we cannot have this
blessedness. Sometimes we think we are comfortable and have all that we need when we build our
own house, but it can all be taken away in a moment. If our hope is in the earthly house that we build,
then our hope will be destroyed when our house is gone, whether by wind, earthquake, or financial
loss. This will not happen when we set our sights upon God's house. For to dwell in God's house is to
dwell with God. When we dwell in God's presence then we know that none can harm us or take our
hope away.
We dwell in God's house physically when by grace we gather together under the Word and the
Spirit dwells in our heart and we have the testimony that we are members of the family of God, for
Christ has died for us and we live in Him with God. Paul prays for the church, and it is a prayer that
includes us for Christ's sake. In this manner: Ephesians 1:17-20 "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling,
and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of
his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in
Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, "
Thus by grace through the means of faith we are united already now to our God and dwell with Him.
The fruit of this is rich blessing especially as we come under the preaching of His Word and are given
the assurance of salvation in Christ.
But also the Psalmist and we are confident of the blessedness of dwelling with God in His house
forever. It is expressed again in Ephesians by Paul when we read: Ephesians 2:5-7 "Even when we
were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us
up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he
might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
We long for the final fulfillment of the promises of God where we shall forever be in heavenly
glory as we read in Revelation 7:15ff. And the blessedness is life with God, all enemies are put away,
even as is expressed by the Word in Revelation 21:3-4 "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying,
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their
eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away."
Conclusion: Those dwelling in the house of God will be praising God. This is the fruit of salvation,
God is praised, for it is He alone that brings us into His house to dwell with Him. God be praised
indeed. Selah Think about this and glorify the God of all grace.
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Day Five
Our Strength Is In God
Psalm 84:5
“Happy is the man whose strength is in Thee”(ver. 5). He knew where he was, and that by reason
of the frailty of his flesh he could not fly to that state of blessedness: he thought upon his own burden,
as it is said elsewhere; “For the corruptible body weighs down the soul, and the earthly house depresses
the understanding which has many thoughts.” The Spirit calls upward, the weight of the flesh calls back
again downward: between the double effort to raise and to weigh down, a kind of struggle ensues: this
struggle goes toward the pressure of the wine-press. Hear how the Apostle describes this same struggle
of the winepress, for he was himself afflicted there, there he was pressed... “Miserable man that I am:
who shall deliver me from the body of this death? The grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”...
“For I delight in the Law of God according to the inner man.” But what shall I do? how shall I fly? how
shall I arrive thither? “I see another law in my members,” etc... And as in the words of the Apostle, that
difficulty and that almost inextricable struggle is alleviated by the addition, “The grace of God through
Jesus Christ our Lord;” so here, when he sighed in the ardent longing for the house of God, and those
praises of God, and when a kind of despair arose at the feeling of the burden of the body and the weight
of the flesh, again he awoke to hope, and said (ver. 5), “Blessed is the man whose taking up is in Thee.”
10. What then does God supply by His grace to him whom He taketh hold of to lead him on? He goes
on to say: “He hath placed steps in his heart.”... Where does it place steps? “In his heart, in the valley of
weeping” Commentary by Augustine
Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I
am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where
and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I
can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Read Also: Psalm28:7-8; II Corinthians 12:9; Jeremiah 31:33; Isaiah 26:9
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. What does it mean that our strength is in God?
2. Why is this blessed?
3. In the heart is the way placed by God, the path put in their heart; What is so precious about
this truth?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
We understand that the Psalmist is setting this Psalm forth as he has been separated from the
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tabernacle in one of his exiles. And he has a heaviness of soul and spirit that he is not able to worship
at the tabernacle and thus receive the comfort of the Word of God there, and the peace of dwelling in
the presence of God as that was typically seen in the true worship at the tabernacle. He longed to again
be able to return to Jerusalem and the right worship of God, to dwell there with God and His people.
Now to find joy in his time of trial, he looks to the promises of God being fulfilled and turns to the
blessings of returning to this worship which is the goal of his longing.
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee. This is true because it is a strength that does not fail.
If David or we were to trust in our own arm we would miserably fail of all strength. Of ourselves we
could not stand a moment in the battle of faith. We could have no comfort, no peace, and no
blessedness. But when our strength is found in God, then we know that our strength is founded in His
grace, and His faithfulness. Our strength is found in the sacrificial blood that covers our sin. For
David this was seen in the types, the sacrifices at the tabernacle and their testimony of the sacrifice to
come which would surely remove all guilt from the elect sinner. For us that sacrifice has been made
according to God's promise, and it does cover our sin and guilt and we have a certain place in the
fellowship of our God in Christ.
We know that for Christ's sake we shall surely be kept in faith until the day of Jesus Christ, and that
He that hath begun a good work in us, will perform it until that day; cf. Philippians 1:6 . Our strength
shall not fail, our salvation is sure, for Jehovah is our strength and refuge.
Not only our spirit shall be strengthened, but also in our hearts shall the ways (steps be founded).
Our heart shall be made strong or firm, as we find our strength alone in God and His Work in Christ,
and in His grace toward us, and our steps will be rooted in those strengthened hearts. So that we shall
pass the pathway of this life with confidence no matter what the present circumstance, knowing it is
God Who leads us there.
Conclusion: We need not fear, but God shall provide us all things to have the victory and to enter into
His heavenly presence forever. Remember this we must, as the times become ever more perilous for us
in the midst of this world as we traverse this pilgrims path.
Day Six
A Dry Place Made Flourishing
Psalm 84:6
"In these words, reproof is administered to the slothfulness of those who will not submit to any
inconvenience for the sake of being benefited by the service of God. They indulge themselves in their
own ease and pleasures, and allow nothing to interfere with these. They will, therefore, provided they
are not required to make any exertion or sacrifice, readily profess themselves to be the servants of God;
but they would not give a hair of their head, or make the smallest sacrifice, to obtain the liberty of
hearing the gospel preached, and of enjoying the sacraments. This slothful spirit, as is evident from
daily observation, keeps multitudes fast bound to their nests, so that they cannot bear to forego in any
degree their own ease and convenience. Yea, even in those places where they are summoned by the
sound of the church-bell to public prayers to hear the doctrine of salvation, or to partake of the holy
mysteries, we see that some give themselves to sleep, some think only of gain, some are entangled with
the affairs of the world, and others are engaged in their amusements. It is therefore not surprising, if
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those who live at a distance, and who cannot enjoy these religious services and means of salvation,
without making some sacrifice of their worldly substance, remain lolling at home. That such may not
live secure and self-satisfied in the enjoyment of outward prosperity, David declares, that those who
have true heart religion, and who sincerely serve God, direct their steps to the sanctuary of God, not
only when the way is easy and cheerful, under the shade and through delightful paths, but also when
they must walk through rugged and barren deserts; and that they will rather make for themselves
cisterns with immense toil, than be prevented from prosecuting their journey by reason of the drought
of the country." Commentary by Calvin
Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
Psalm 66:10-15 "For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou
broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our
heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. I will
go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, Which my lips have uttered, and my
mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the
incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah."
Read Also: John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 8:37-39; II Kings 3:17.
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. To whom does the "who" refer?
2. What is the field of Baca, or what is the idea behind it ?
3. How does the field become a well or fountain?
4. What is the purpose of the second phrase in this verse?
5. Do you have valleys of Baca to pass through? Do you trust that they shall become like pools
filled with rain? Discuss
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
The children of God by grace find their strength in Jehovah, and their paths are determined by God
and the passing way is implanted in our hearts by His Spirit and Word. Such pass through the valley of
Baca. There are some commentators who claim that Baca is from a Hebrew word that refers to
mulberry bushes, and others that it is a word that refers to the idea of weeping. I tend to believe that
the latter is probably the right idea of the term. But in either case it surely refers to a vale or valley that
was known to be difficult and arid, a desert like valley that was not easy to pass through. The passage
from Samuel indicates that there were such valleys in which no water could be found often times.
Certainly this is the idea being expressed in the Psalm, the child of God must pass through a very
difficult and hard way to rightly serve God and to dwell in His tabernacle, and in His fellowship. The
way has always been that way for God's children. So was the way from the land of bondage to Canaan.
And also the writer experienced this in his life. But though the way is ever so difficult and in fact
impossible for the flesh to pass through, God shall make it a flourishing way, a blessed way that leads
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to His sanctuary. It is no different for us, we must understand that, we must through much tribulation
enter into the kingdom of God, cf. Acts 14:22. Further we understand that tribulation works patience,
and patience works experience, and experience, hope, cf. Romans 5:3-5. This is the truth taught in our
verse, by grace walking down the pathway of this life, the trials shall serve our joy, and blessing.
Conclusion: Belonging to the body of Christ on earth is not easy, it is filled with hardship in this life
in many areas -financial - social - political- in the work place, etc. But all the suffering is not
comparable with the glory that shall follow. Praise God.
Day Seven
Going from Strength to Strength
Psalm 84:7
"They will go from strength to strength. In this verse the same sentiment is repeated. Mount Zion
being the place where, according to the appointment of the law, the holy assemblies were observed,
after the ark of the covenant was removed thither, it is said, that the people of God will come to Zion in
great numbers, provoking one another to this good work. The word lyj, chayil, seldom signifies a
troop, or band of men, but most commonly power, or strength. It will therefore be more in accordance
with the ordinary use of the term, to translate, They will go from strength to strength; implying, that the
saints are continually acquiring fresh strength for going up to mount Zion, and continue to prosecute
their journey without weariness or fatigue, until they reach the wished-for place, and behold the
countenance of God. If the word troop is preferred, the meaning will be, that not a few only will come,
but numerous companies. The manner in which God manifested himself to his servants in the temple in
old time, we have spoken of elsewhere, and especially on the 27th psalm, at the 4th and 5th verses. No
visible image of God was there to be seen; but the ark of the covenant was a symbol of his presence,
and genuine worshipers found from experience, that by this means they were greatly aided in
approaching him." Commentary by Calvin
Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
"Isaiah 40:29-31 "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth
strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that
wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall
run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Read Also: Proverbs 4:18; Job 17:9; II Peter 3:18; Jeremiah 31:6; Zechariah 14:16; John 6:39.
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. What is meant when we read that they go from strength to strength?
2. Can you give an example from your own experience of a child of God going from strength to
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strength from your experience or another's that you have witnessed?
3. How is it true that those in Zion appeared before God?
4. Was this desired?
5. Is this a promise that pertains to us, in what way?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
The result of the rich grace given God's elect as they pass through the trials of this life, is that they
are made strong. That strength is not natural, for naturally we would fear and would fail to go on in the
battle of faith when the troubles, persecutions, and the testimonies against us for our own sins pile up
against us. But because it is our faithful God that leads us through the trials by coming in our flesh and
suffering in our stead to deliver us from them we go from strength to strength.
The strength is the strength of faith worked in our hearts even by means of the trial as we are given
grace to pass through the arid valleys of the wickedness of this world and of our own natural weakness
and sin, to be made to flourish as the vale is refreshed by the former rains. We are nourished by the
Word and Spirit and our faith is made to lay hold of the Holy One, Who in covenant faithfulness
remembers His covenant with us and gives us the grace to stand victorious in Christ.
What a blessing it is when come under the Word proclaimed, to have our faith nourished by our
Savior through His Word and by the power of His Spirit. Then we find that even as the trials come and
even increase as time goes on, we are given grace for grace and strength for strength to stand with the
faithful.
Indeed every one of them God loves from eternity, every one whom He has named in Zion appears
before God. We enter His courts and are fed and nourished. We are quickened and made to live, we
cleave to His Son by faith and are drawn into His fellowship under His Word. So that we become ever
stronger through the trials and are given the confidence of belonging to the Kingdom of our God.
Conclusion: Let not the trials and difficulties of this life discourage you, but turn to the living God
and His Word more and more. To you shall be given strength for strength, and none shall separate you
from the love of God, as you stand in faith trusting in Him and your Savior for salvation. You shall
surely appear before God and by grace shall stand and be blessed.
Day 8
Give Ear To Our Prayers
Psalm 84:8
"Here, I. The psalmist prays for audience and acceptance with God, not mentioning particularly
what he desired God would do for him. He needed to say no more when he had professed such an
affectionate esteem for the ordinances of God, which now he was restrained and banished from. All his
desire was, in that profession, plainly before God, and his longing, his groaning, was not hidden from
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him; therefore he prays only that God would hear his prayer and give ear, that he would behold his
condition, behold his good affection, and look upon his face, which way it was set, and how his
countenance discovered the longing desire he had towards God's courts. ... He has an eye to God
under several of his glorious titles-as the Lord God of hosts, who has all the creatures at his command,
and therefore has all power both in heaven and in earth,-as the God of Jacob, a God in covenant with
his own people, a God who never said to the praying seed of Jacob, Seek you me in vain." Commentary
by Matthew Henry
Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
Psalm 5:1-3 "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of
my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O
LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."
Psalm 146:5 "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his
God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:"
Read Also: I Peter 3:12; Psalm 94:9; Isaiah 59:1; Isaiah 65:24
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. Why, as the writer now seeks God to hear his prayer, does he address God by the name
Jehovah?
2. Also why does he call God the God of hosts in this particular prayer?
3. Finally why does he refer to that God as the God of Jacob in this connection?
4. What do you think it is when David prays to God that he "give ear."
5. Are we able to call upon God in this same manner?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
Now the Psalmist petitions God to hear his prayer. As he does so he first acknowledges that God is
the unchangeable and faithful God. He has chosen His children from eternity, and He changes not and
the Psalmist holds precious the faithfulness of His covenant God. Thus he bases his petition on God's
promises and not upon his work or worthiness. We do well always to remember this in our prayers.
We cannot look to anything in ourselves as a reason that God would hear us, but we may implore our
God on the basis of God's love for us in Christ.
Further, the Psalmist who is in exile, in the midst of trouble and trial addresses his faithful God as
the God of hosts. He acknowledges that it is God that governs all things and therefore his current
portion is also that which God has sent him. He acknowledges that God can deliver him from his
trouble and can lead him to his tabernacle. For this David implores.
The Psalmist is quite bold in his prayer as he calls upon God to hear him and then repeats, give ear.
The idea of the term to give ear means to lean Thy ear toward me. Again we must understand that we
may so come to God as the Psalmist, especially when passing through the many bitter trials of this life
and only on the same basis: God's faithfulness to His covenant, and do so understanding that God has
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His purpose for our portion in this life.
The Psalmist now finishes this verse by again calling upon God, exalting His Name, O God, and by
seeking Him on the basis of His covenant with us. This is the idea of addressing God as the God of
Jacob. Jacob is his father in the line of generations. Jacob faced many trials as he sought the covenant
blessings of God. This began already at the time of his birth and continued until he wrestled with the
Angel of Jehovah. And we understand Jacob wrestled with God and prevailed. He prevailed not by his
strength, for the Angel of Jehovah merely touched his thigh and he went lame, but he had the victory by
grace through faith and received the name Israel. The name literally means to prevail or prevailer.
Now David knows that Jacob never was denied the hearing ear of God. And as the supplanter, desiring
the right things of God, learning he could not prevail of himself by the wrestling was given victory by
God for Christ's sake. So David seeks his salvation and entrance into the dwelling place of God.
We too may so pray and expect that for His covenant's sake and for Christ's sake we shall be given
grace to prevail.
Conclusion: We may rejoice in the confidence that God will hear our prayer, even as He has chosen
and redeemed us as His people with whom He purposes to dwell.
Day Nine
O God Our Shield
Psalm 84:9
Had he not been a member of the Church, he could not have said generally, and as it were in the
person of all its members, Our shield. Having made this statement, he uses language still more
expressive of high privilege, adducing the royal anointing with which God had honored him by the
hand of Samuel, 1 Samuel 16:12. These words, Look upon the face of thy anointed, are very emphatic,
and yet many interpreters pass over them very frigidly. He encourages himself in the hope of obtaining
the favor of God, from the consideration that he had been anointed king in compliance with a divine
command. Knowing, however, that his kingdom was merely a shadow and type of something more
illustrious, there is no doubt, that in uttering these words, the object which he aspired after was, to
obtain the divine favor through the intervention of the Mediator of whom he was a type. I am
personally unworthy, as if he had said, that thou shouldest restore me, but the anointing by which thou
hast made me a type of the only Redeemer will secure this blessing for me. We are thus taught, that the
only way in which God becomes reconciled to us is through the mediation of Christ, whose presence
scatters and dissipates all the dark clouds of our sins." Commentary by Calvin
Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
II Samuel 22:1-7 "And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the
LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul: And he said,
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he
is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me
from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine
enemies. When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; The
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sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; In my distress I called upon the
LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his
ears."
Read Also: Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 98:1; Psalm 132: 10-11; II Chronicles 6:42; Acts 4:27.
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. What is the shield?
2. How is God our shield?
3. What does the writer mean when he says, look upon the face?
4. To whom does David refer in the term 'anointed"?
5. Is there any sense in which we can be referred to as God's anointed?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
Behold, by this term, David calls himself to attention and those who hear his song. And he says, O
God our shield. He calls upon God Whom he knows as our shield, that is the God who was his defense
or defender. What a comfort that he is able to see God as his defense, then he knows the enemies, even
the three-fold enemy of God's children cannot overthrow nor have the victory. Not satan, not the
world, nor our flesh. O indeed these enemies are great and can do much harm to the saints, but they
cannot overcome, they will not have victory. For God is our shield and great defender.
David also calls God our shield, and by using this pronoun includes himself in the one eternal
church of Christ. He considers himself as part of the one body of Christ, so that even as he has been
separated from the tabernacle and the fellowship with God there, and with the saints there, he
nevertheless trusts that he belongs to that magnificent temple of the Lord.
Finally, the Psalmist would have God hear him and look upon him in favor on the basis also that he
is anointed. Look upon the face of thine anointed, he prays. He believes and trusts that his office was
Divinely determined and that it was God that anointed him to be king over the people of God, to serve
them and God. Thus also this is reason for his deliverance and return to mount Zion that he might
properly carry out his calling unto which God has called him.
We too may appeal to our divine anointing, as we have been called out of darkness into the
marvelous light of God's fellowship, to be prophets, priests, and kings. The fact that God has worked
in our hearts by His Spirit and called us by His Word leads us to the confidence that God will also
provide us grace and all things necessary to exercise this blessed office of believer; cf. I Perter 2:9.
However, we believe that the prophets of the Old Dispensation, the kings and priests as well, had
knowledge that they were but shadows of that which would come to pass in God's appointed time. And
as king, David was but a type of the King that would come to rule over God's people and lead them into
His kingdom. So that it was for Christ's sake that David prayed to God that He hear him and deliver
him and bring him to the tabernacle of God.
Conclusion: May we also see God as our only and sure defense against all enemies of His kingdom.
And may we also see God's blessing as we would serve him as His anointed in the office of believer.
May we also look only to Christ as the basis of the salvation, the ground of the salvation and the means
of the salvation which we long for.
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Day Ten
Doorkeepers in the House of God
Psalm 84:10
"Let us remember the comparisons.
They are 'a thousand.' Some of the renderings in English have added a word. It is this:'elsewhere.'
And that is correct. I do not care where you may spend that day. Elsewhere is always empty, void,
evil, and corrupt (excepting, of course, when you are sick, banished, or caring for the sick). 'Elsewhere'
is meant without God.
A thousand days is about three years. This man would rather be one day in the lowly courts of the
Lord's house than three years elsewhere. He would rather be a janitor than to live in the tents of
wickedness.
Did you note that the poet knows of no third condition? You are either in the courts of the house of
God or you are in the tents of wickedness." O Taste and See by Rev. Gerrit Vos
Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
Romans 8:4-10 "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that
are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually
minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law
of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in
the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the
Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the
Spirit is life because of righteousness."
Read Also: Psalm 27:4; Psalm 43:3-4; Luke 2:46; Psalm 17:14-15; Psalm 26:8-10; Psalm 141:4-5.
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. What today is likened "with a day in Thy courts"?
2. What are some of the things that would be included in a thousand days elsewhere?
3. What does the doorkeeper represent for the church?
4. The opposite of the courts of God is the tents of wickedness, what is found between these two?
Explain.
5. Explain why this is true also of you, that is, that you would rather have a day under the true
preaching of Christ over against a life in the riches of the wicked?
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A few thoughts concerning this passage:
"David expresses what ought to be the attitude of each of us when it comes to the possible worship
of God. It ought to be our desire to enter into the worship of God in the company of the saints. So
much is this true that David says he would rather be at the door of the tabernacle or the doorkeeper for
one day, than to have a prominent place in the world of man. This is an expression of true humility,
David would rather have the lowest place for the briefest time in the house of God, when compared to
filling his life with the honor and riches of the world. Again this should be also our mind in all of life.
David knows that to live in this world and to live as the world of unbelief is void of all blessing.
That life is empty, it has no hope, it gives no peace. O for the flesh it might seem nice to have our life
filled with the things of this world, and to have the admiration of the whole world. Satan also tempted
Jesus with this choice of worldly glory, power and honor. Jesus said, It is written. Life is more than
bread or honor among men. It is confession of sin, forgiveness of sin, and life eternal.
That which is most blessed for God's children, is the living Word which nourishes us and lifts us
up, and enables us to bear the burdens of this life while we are prepared for life eternal in the sanctuary
of God. Remember this when you are tempted to take a Sunday off from church attendance, in order to
have another day on vacation, remember this when you are tempted to fill your home with all the goods
of this world, rather than properly support the causes of God in church, remember this when you would
desire the ease of the wicked's life style, when compared to the hardships of the elect pilgrims life in
the midst of this world.
But also remember the only way we shall desire to have a day in God's courts rather than a
thousand elsewhere, and to be a doorkeeper in the house of God, rather than to dwell in the rich tents of
the wicked, is that Christ goes before us in this path. He humbled himself unto death, crucified as a
common thief, made himself of no reputation, that He might enter the courts of God, not only for
Himself, but for His body. As His Spirit dwells in our hearts we find joy alone in the things of God, so
that we seek God and His kingdom.
Conclusion: Pray for grace to see the blessedness of a day in God's house, where we here the blessed
testimony that our sins are forgiven and we are heirs of eternal life.
Day Eleven
Let Us Go Up to The House of Our God
Psalm 84
Because of the shortness of this Psalm on this Lord's Day you have a respite from doing the
regular part of this lesson. Instead this Sunday shall be used for some reading on the last verse
we considered. The reason for this is the fact that Rev. Vos has a nice meditation in his book O
Taste and See, and because it does speak about our proper worship of God on the Sabbath. So
use this day to read this meditation and enjoy the day you have in the courts of God.
The meditation is found in the Book: O Taste and See by Rev. Gerrit Vos starting on page 202
or if you do not have his book maybe you have the bound volumes of the Standard Bearer, and
you can find the same meditation in Volume 35, starting on page 169.
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Day Twelve
No Good Withheld
Psalm 84:11
"The idea conveyed by the comparison derived from the sun is, that as the sun by his light vivifies,
nourishes, and rejoices the world, so the benign countenance of God fills with joy the hearts of his
people, or rather, that they neither live nor breathe except in so far as he shines upon them. By the term
shield is meant, that our salvation, which would otherwise be periled by countless dangers, is in perfect
safety under his protection. The favor of God in communicating life to us would be far from adequate
to the exigencies of our condition, unless at the same time, in the midst of so many dangers, he
interposed his power as a buckler to defend us ... He will withhold no good thing from those who walk
uprightly, obviously teaching us, that God’s bounty can never be exhausted, but flows without
intermission. We learn from these words, that whatever excellence may be in us proceeds solely from
the grace of God. They contain, at the same time, this special mark, by which the genuine worshipers of
God may be distinguished from others, That their life is framed and regulated according to the
principles of strict integrity." Commentary by Calvin
Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
Romans 8:16-18 "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him,
that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Read Also: Malachi 4:2; Revelation 21:23; Philippians 1:6; Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 28:6
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. How does the term 'for' connect this verse with the preceding?
2. How is the figure of the sun a blessed one for David and us?
3. How is the fact, that God is a sun and shield, explained by the next phrase; the LORD will
give grace and glory?
4. Who are those that walk uprightly?
5. May we have the assurance that no good thing is withheld from us?
6. What is included in this last phrase?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
The conjunction for gives the reason why a day in the courts of the Lord as a doorkeeper is better
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than a thousand dwelling in the tents of wickedness. In the tents of wickedness all you have is earthly
comfort or ease, but no peace. There is no peace to the wicked, cf. Isaiah 57:21. But Jehovah God is a
sun and shield to us. The figure of the sun teaches us that God nourishes us and fills us with joy. You
know this is the case especially as our food is grown by the power of the sun, and you know that after a
few winter days how joyful it is to have the sun shine, it brightens our whole day. And He is our shield
as we pointed out in an earlier meditation. He defends us against all that would prevent our
blessedness. Even as the shield was a good means of defense in war. We are fighting a battle we could
not win in our strength, but God is our strength and shield (defense). Now further, Jehovah is our sun
and shield in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, He is the sun of righteousness as we read in Malachi.
Jesus takes our sins upon Himself and defends us by His merit, He is become our righteousness and
saves us and fills us with joy.
Indeed, Jehovah for Christ's sake, which was also typically seen at the mercy seat in the tabernacle,
will give grace and glory. Jehovah is the overflowing fountain of grace in Christ, and cleanses us by
the blood of His Son, the sun of righteousness, and leads us to glory.
In that path to glory we are told that God will withhold no good thing from them that walk
uprightly. David, understand, knows his own sin and weaknesses, but still is able to speak of walking
uprightly. Those that walk uprightly are those chosen of God in Christ, those covered by the blood of
Christ, those quickened by the Spirit of Christ and called by the Word unto the walk of gratitude and
obedience. When on this basis the Psalmist says, no good thing will He withhold, that includes the
whole way of life, the trials are good, the grace to bear them, and absolutely all things shall serve the
children of God's salvation and blessedness.
Conclusion: Look to the next verse. The riches of our Protestant Reformed Heritage, cannot be
overstated, it is a heritage that binds us to the Word of God, for blessing and comfort.
Day Thirteen
Blessed Trust in God
Psalm 84: 12
The exclamation with which David concludes the psalm, Blessed is the man who trusteth in thee,
seems to refer to the season of his banishment. He had previously described the blessedness of those
who dwell in the courts of the Lord, and now he avows, that although he was for a time deprived of that
privilege, he was far from being altogether miserable, because he was supported by the best of all
consolations, that which arose from beholding from a distance the grace of God. This is an example
well worthy of special attention. So long as we are deprived of God’s benefits, we must necessarily
groan and be sad in heart. But, that the sense of our distresses may not overwhelm us, we ought to
impress it upon our minds, that even in the midst of our calamities we do not cease to be happy, when
faith and patience are in exercise." Commentary by Calvin
Scripture Reading for this Lesson:
Psalm 146:5-10 "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD
his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:
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Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the
prisoners: The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the
LORD loveth the righteous: The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow:
but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O
Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the LORD."
Read Also: Psalm 34:8; Isaiah 30:18; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Psalm 4:5.
Consider the following Questions in the Discussion:
1. What is it to trust in God?
2. Who is the man that trusts in God?
3. Does it refer to you?
4. What is another term for blessed as used here?
5. Is this true also in times of persecution and deep trials?
A few thoughts concerning this passage:
A Joyful conclusion to this Psalm and the prayer of the Psalmist, Exclaiming the blessedness of the
one trusting in Jehovah of Hosts. It does seem that David says this in the context of his exile or time of
separation from Zion. And this is our point of the consideration of the truth of this exclamation.
David's trust is in Jehovah of Hosts. The trust is the trust of faith, it is the certainty of belonging to
the body of Christ, it is the certainty of being covered by the mercy of God. For David the testimony of
the word of mercy of God was seen in the mercy seat in the tabernacle of God on the ark of the
covenant. Blood was sprinkled there, blood that cleans from sin, blood that spoke of the promise of
Christ to come. By grace in faith, David trusted in God's covenant faithfulness to His promise of
salvation in the promised Seed.
Certainly trusting in this God Who is Jehovah of Hosts, trusting in the covenant God Who loves us
from eternity, and is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, He Who rules all things, even time in His
creation and Who loves us, surely works all things together for our salvation and the fulfillment of His
promises.
We are blessed then as we trust in Him. We are happy, indeed the idea of blessed in this context is
that we are happy as we trust in God. We find our joy in Him, this is the exclamation of David and of
us. Happy we are with our portion no matter what it be, happy we are as we are graced to worship
Jehovah under the preaching, happy in the sustaining grace of God in Christ in times of trial, happy
even in the hour of our death, and of course happy when we reach into eternity. This is the blessedness
that David knows, and so do we by the grace of God.
It is a blessedness rooted in the Christ and the mercy of God shown to us in Him. None can
remove that Joy and Happiness and Blessedness from the child of faith. It is our portion.
Conclusion: May God grant us the grace to remember the words of this Psalm in those days that lie
ahead. Days of the great tribulation, when we are even separated as David was from the house of God.
May we know the blessedness of this last verse as it concludes this Psalm, and we have peace. Amen
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