Psalm 84 1

Psalm 84:1 kjv

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!

Psalm 84:1 nkjv

To the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts!

Psalm 84:1 niv

For the director of music. According to gittith. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty!

Psalm 84:1 esv

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!

Psalm 84:1 nlt

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD of Heaven's Armies.

Psalm 84 verses

Psalm 84 1 Meaning

Psalm 84:1 expresses an overwhelming and heartfelt admiration for the presence of God. It declares the profound beauty, desirability, and spiritual pleasantness of the places where the Almighty King dwells, evoking a deep yearning for His presence and fellowship within His sanctuary. It's a lamentation and a praise from someone deeply appreciative of God's holy dwelling.

Psalm 84 1 Context

Psalm 84 is a "Song of Ascents," or possibly "For the conductor upon the Gittith, a Psalm of the Sons of Korah." It expresses a deep longing for God's presence, specifically referring to the tabernacle or temple, God's dwelling place. The historical context for this Psalm suggests it was likely sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for one of the annual festivals, particularly for pilgrimage, such as Passover, Pentecost, or the Feast of Tabernacles. They longed to be in the physical presence of God at the temple, finding immense joy and comfort there. This specific verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, immediately establishing the deep affection and desire the psalmist has for God's abode and presence.

Psalm 84 1 Word analysis

• How lovely / How amiable (מַה־יְּדִידֹ֑וֹת – Mah-yedidot):

  • "How" (מַה – Mah): An intensifier, similar to "Oh how" or "Very much." It conveys astonishment, exclamation, and a sense of profound wonder and beauty.
  • "Lovely / Amiable" (יְדִידֹ֑וֹת – yedidot): Plural feminine form of yadid (dear, beloved, delightful, pleasant). It signifies that the dwelling places are not just physically appealing, but cherished, loved, and deeply desirable to the heart and spirit. The plural might indicate the multiple courts, sacred spaces, or even the numerous aspects of God's character and presence manifested there, all of which are dearly beloved.
    • Significance: This term goes beyond mere aesthetic beauty, conveying a spiritual affection and attraction.

• are Your dwelling places / are thy tabernacles (מִשְׁכְּנֹותֶ֖יךָ – mishk'noteikha):

  • "Dwelling places / Tabernacles" (מִשְׁכְּנֹותֶ֖יךָ – mishk'noteikha): Plural of mishkan, which literally means "dwelling" or "tabernacle." It refers to the temporary tent-shrine (Tabernacle) in the wilderness and, by extension, the later fixed Temple in Jerusalem.
    • Significance: The use of the plural emphasizes the sacred complex—the temple courts, the inner sanctum, the very air saturated with divine presence. It highlights that the longing isn't just for a building but for the multifaceted experience of being in God's hallowed presence. The shift from a movable mishkan to a permanent Temple reflects God's continuing presence with His people.

• O LORD of hosts! (יְהוָ֥ה צְבָאֽוֹת – YHWH Tsva'ot):

  • "O LORD" (יְהוָ֥ה – YHWH): The Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenant name of God, indicating His self-existent and eternal nature. It speaks of His intimate relationship with His people.
  • "of hosts" (צְבָאֽוֹת – Tsva'ot): Literally means "armies," "hosts," or "multitudes." It signifies God's absolute sovereignty over all armies—heavenly (angels, celestial bodies) and earthly. It depicts Him as the cosmic ruler and mighty warrior, emphasizing His omnipotence and control.
    • Significance: By using this powerful and majestic title, the psalmist acknowledges the infinite power and authority of the One who makes these dwelling places lovely. It underscores that this beloved place belongs to the Almighty, ensuring its sacredness and the security of those within. This title was often invoked in times of national crisis, reminding the Israelites that the God dwelling among them was the commander of all forces.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "How lovely are Your dwelling places": This phrase captures the intense spiritual affection and yearning for God's immediate presence. It communicates that the true beauty of these places stems from God's holy indwelling, making them spiritually attractive beyond any physical grandeur. This is not mere architectural appreciation but a profound sense of delight in sacred space permeated by the Divine.
  • "O LORD of hosts!": This majestic address immediately connects the lovely dwelling with the overwhelming power and sovereignty of the covenant God. It contrasts the intimate desire for His presence with His awe-inspiring might, establishing reverence alongside affection. The "Lord of hosts" provides the security and ultimate authority behind the sanctity and blessing of His dwelling place, setting it apart from all human-made sanctuaries. Implicitly, it sets a polemic against pagan deities whose power is limited or nonexistent compared to YHWH Tsva'ot.

Psalm 84 1 Bonus section

The "Sons of Korah," as authors of this psalm, held a unique lineage. While Korah himself was involved in a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, resulting in divine judgment (Num 16), some of his descendants were spared and became significant figures in Temple worship, particularly as gatekeepers and musicians (1 Chr 9:19, 1 Chr 26). This background adds depth to their psalm, implying a profound gratitude and dedication to God's house, perhaps reflecting on their ancestral failure and a fervent desire to cleave to God's presence and established order. Their adoration for "Your dwelling places" can be seen as a testimony to God's grace and restoration, finding their identity and purpose intimately linked to the sacred space of the Lord. The lamenting and yearning tone might reflect the perspective of someone temporarily exiled or longing for pilgrimage back to the Temple, unable to freely access the sacred courts.

Psalm 84 1 Commentary

Psalm 84:1 encapsulates a fervent longing for the divine presence, expressing an adoration for God's dwelling that goes beyond mere physical architecture. The psalmist finds God's abode not just beautiful, but "lovely" (yedidot), a word connoting deep affection and dearness. This loveliness is rooted entirely in the fact that it is the dwelling place of YHWH Tsva'ot, the Lord of mighty armies, whose cosmic power ensures the sacredness and blessedness of His presence. It signifies that the true beauty of worship is not in the edifice, but in the manifest presence of the Sovereign God. The yearning for God's "dwelling places" (plural) suggests a desire for the full experience of His sanctuary, all its courts and holy precincts, as a reflection of His multifaceted presence.

This verse teaches that spiritual fulfillment comes from being close to God. It highlights the believer's deep appreciation for environments consecrated by God's presence, serving as a model for our own longing to connect with Him.

• Examples:
  • A worshiper eager to gather with the church community, not just for fellowship, but for the corporate presence of God.
  • An individual finding profound peace and spiritual clarity in personal prayer or Scripture reading, sensing God's closeness.
  • Believers viewing their own bodies and homes as "dwelling places" for the Spirit, seeking to maintain their purity.