Psalms 84:1

KJV

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. How amiable [are] thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)} upon Gittith {H1665}, A Psalm {H4210} for the sons {H1121} of Korah {H7141}. How amiable {H3039} are thy tabernacles {H4908}, O LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}!

Complete Jewish Bible

For the leader. On the gittit. A psalm of the sons of Korach: How deeply loved are your dwelling-places, ADONAI-Tzva'ot!

Berean Standard Bible

How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of Hosts!

American Standard Version

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Jehovah of hosts!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 84:1, the opening verse of a beloved "Pilgrim's Psalm," expresses a profound and intense longing for God's dwelling place. The psalmist, likely one of the Sons of Korah, declares the supreme loveliness and desirability of God's "tabernacles," which refer to the Temple in Jerusalem, the earthly locus of divine presence. This exclamation, directed to "O LORD of hosts," immediately establishes a tone of deep affection, reverence, and spiritual yearning for communion with the almighty and sovereign God, whose abode is inherently beautiful and cherished.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 84 is a "Psalm of Ascent," often associated with pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for the annual festivals. It belongs to a collection of psalms attributed to the Sons of Korah (Psalms 84, 85, 87, 88), a Levitical family serving as temple musicians and gatekeepers, whose duties fostered an intimate connection to the sanctuary. The superscription, "To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah," indicates its musical setting and authorship. The psalm immediately follows Psalm 83, a prayer for deliverance from enemies, and precedes Psalm 85, a prayer for restoration. Psalm 84 itself is a passionate expression of yearning for God's presence, contrasting the blessedness of those who dwell in His house with the spiritual thirst of those who are far away, culminating in a declaration of trust in God as a sun and shield.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Psalm 84 is the Jerusalem Temple, the central place of worship for ancient Israel. Pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals—Passover, Weeks (Pentecost), and Booths (Tabernacles)—was a mandated religious duty, fostering a deep communal and personal connection to God's dwelling. The "Sons of Korah" were a prominent guild of temple singers and gatekeepers, as attested in passages like [1 Chronicles 9:19](/1_chronicles/9-19 "1 Chronicles 9:19 - Korahites as Gatekeepers") and [2 Chronicles 20:19](/2_chronicles/20-19 "2 Chronicles 20:19 - Korahite Singers"), meaning their longing for the Temple was not merely abstract but tied to their vocational identity and spiritual heritage. The term "Gittith" (H1665) likely refers to a musical instrument or a specific tune, possibly originating from the Philistine city of Gath, indicating a particular melodic style for the psalm's performance.
* **Key Themes:** The opening verse introduces several key themes that permeate the entire psalm. Foremost is the **Deep Affection for God's Presence**, expressed through the exclamation "How amiable [are] thy tabernacles." This is not just an appreciation for a building, but for the sacred communion and spiritual delight experienced in the presence of the Almighty. This leads to the theme of **The Beauty and Desirability of God's House**, where "amiable" conveys an inherent loveliness and attractiveness, highlighting the profound joy and blessedness found in drawing near to God's courts. Finally, the title "O LORD of hosts!" underscores **God's Sovereignty and Power**, emphasizing His supreme authority over all creation and celestial armies. This majestic title reinforces the awe and reverence due to Him and His dwelling place, making it a sanctuary of ultimate security and holiness, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Holiness of the LORD of Hosts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amiable (Hebrew, _yᵉdîyd'_):** This word (H3039), derived from the root meaning "loved" or "beloved," literally translates to "lovely things," "beloved things," or "delightful things." In this context, it conveys a profound sense of affection, endearment, and desirability. It suggests that God's dwelling place is not merely pleasant or functional, but deeply cherished, inherently beautiful, and passionately longed for by the psalmist. It speaks to an emotional and spiritual attachment that transcends mere admiration, reflecting a deep love for God's presence.
* **Tabernacles (Hebrew, _mishkân'_):** While the verse uses the plural form `mishkanot` (dwelling places), the root Hebrew word (H4908) is `mishkân`, meaning "a residence" or specifically "the Tabernacle (properly, its wooden walls)." The use of the plural can be interpreted in several ways: as a "plural of majesty" to emphasize the grandeur and holiness of God's abode; as referring to the various sacred courts and chambers within the elaborate Temple complex; or as a poetic device to convey the richness and multifaceted nature of God's presence within His sanctuary. Regardless, it signifies the sacred space where God's presence was uniquely manifested.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh Tsâbâʼ'_):** This is one of the most powerful and majestic divine titles in the Old Testament. `Yᵉhôvâh` (H3068) is the covenant name of God, revealing His personal, relational, and self-existent nature ("the self-Existent or Eternal"). `Tsâbâʼ` (H6635, meaning "army" or "host") refers to the celestial armies (angels) and, by extension, all the forces of creation—heavenly and earthly. Thus, "LORD of hosts" proclaims God's omnipotence, His supreme authority as the commander of all spiritual and physical forces, and His unchallengeable sovereignty. Its inclusion here underscores the immense power, holiness, and security associated with His dwelling place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.":** This is the superscription, providing essential information about the psalm's performance and authorship. "To the chief Musician" (H5329, `nâtsach`, meaning "to excel," "oversee") indicates it was intended for liturgical use under the direction of the temple choirmaster. "Upon Gittith" (H1665) specifies a musical instruction, likely a particular tune or instrument. "A Psalm" (H4210, `mizmôwr`, meaning "instrumental music" or "poem set to notes") signifies its genre. "For the sons of Korah" (H1121, `bên`, "sons"; H7141, `Qôrach`, "Korah") attributes its composition or collection to this Levitical family, who were renowned temple musicians and gatekeepers, explaining their profound connection to the sanctuary.
* **"How amiable [are] thy tabernacles,":** This is an emphatic exclamation that immediately sets the tone of the psalm. The adverb "How" intensifies the adjective "amiable" (H3039), conveying an overwhelming sense of delight, love, and admiration. The psalmist is expressing not just a casual liking, but a deep, passionate affection for God's "tabernacles" (H4908)—His dwelling place, the Temple. This phrase encapsulates the core longing for God's manifest presence and the spiritual beauty perceived in His holy abode.
* **"O LORD of hosts!":** This direct address to God uses His majestic and powerful title, "LORD of hosts" (H3068, H6635). It serves as an acclamation of His supreme authority and omnipotence. By addressing God with this title, the psalmist acknowledges the awesome power and majesty of the One who inhabits these "amiable tabernacles." It underscores that the beauty and desirability of the dwelling place are intrinsically linked to the glorious character of the God who dwells there.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 84:1 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Exclamation**, seen in "How amiable [are] thy tabernacles!" The use of "How" intensifies the emotion, expressing an overwhelming sense of admiration, delight, and longing rather than a mere statement of fact. This immediately draws the reader into the psalmist's fervent spiritual state. **Apostrophe** is also present, as the psalmist directly addresses God ("O LORD of hosts!"), creating an intimate and reverent tone. The term "tabernacles" functions as **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, where the physical structure of the Temple stands in for the spiritual reality of God's presence, communion, and worship. The plural "tabernacles" can also be seen as a **Plural of Majesty** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the grandeur and multifaceted sacredness of God's dwelling. Finally, "LORD of hosts" is a powerful **Divine Epithet**, a recurring title that emphasizes God's sovereign power, His command over all creation, and His role as the divine warrior, adding a layer of awe and reverence to the description of His dwelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 84:1 articulates a profound theological truth: the inherent desirability and beauty of God's presence. It transcends a mere appreciation for a physical building, pointing to the spiritual reality of finding delight and security in drawing near to the Almighty. The psalmist's longing for the "tabernacles" reflects a universal spiritual hunger for communion with God, recognizing that true blessedness is found in His presence. This verse establishes God's dwelling as a place of holiness, power, and ultimate satisfaction, rooted in the majestic character of the "LORD of hosts." It sets the stage for the psalm's exploration of the joy of pilgrimage and the blessedness of those who trust in God.

* [Psalm 27:4](/psalms/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - One Thing I Ask of the LORD")
* [Psalm 42:1-2](/psalms/42-1-2 "Psalm 42:1-2 - As the Deer Pants for Water")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Holiness of the LORD of Hosts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple no longer stands, the spiritual longing expressed in Psalms 84:1 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse invites us to examine the depth of our own affection for God's presence. Do we find God's "tabernacles"—His presence in personal devotion, corporate worship, and the indwelling Holy Spirit—as "amiable" and desirable as the psalmist did? This psalm calls us to cultivate a deep spiritual thirst for God, prioritizing communion with Him above all else. It encourages us to cherish the privilege of drawing near to Him, whether in quiet prayer, diligent study of His Word, or vibrant fellowship with other believers, recognizing that true joy and security are found in His glorious presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my heart truly long for God's presence in my daily life?**
* **In what ways do I experience God's "tabernacles" today, and do I find them "amiable"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper affection and desire for personal communion and corporate worship?**
* **How does the title "LORD of hosts" shape my understanding of God's dwelling place and my approach to Him?**

### FAQ
**What does the superscription "To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah" mean?**

Answer: This superscription provides critical context for the psalm. "To the chief Musician" (H5329) indicates that the psalm was intended for liturgical performance under the direction of the temple choirmaster, suggesting its use in public worship. "Upon Gittith" (H1665) likely refers to a specific musical instrument or a particular melody, possibly originating from the Philistine city of Gath, indicating the tune or style in which the psalm was to be sung. "A Psalm for the sons of Korah" (H4210, H1121, H7141) attributes the psalm to this prominent Levitical family, who served as temple musicians and gatekeepers. Their vocational role would have naturally fostered a deep connection and longing for God's dwelling place, which is the central theme of the psalm.

**Why does the psalmist refer to God's dwelling as "tabernacles" (plural) when there was only one Temple?**

Answer: The Hebrew word `mishkanot` (מִשְׁכָּנוֹת) is indeed plural. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem was a singular structure, the use of the plural can be understood in several ways. It may be a "plural of majesty" or "plural of intensity," a common Hebrew idiom used to emphasize the grandeur, holiness, and multifaceted nature of God's dwelling place. It could also refer to the various courts, chambers, and sacred spaces within the expansive Temple complex, all of which were considered part of God's "dwelling." This poetic usage highlights the awe and reverence the psalmist held for every aspect of God's sacred abode.

**What is the significance of calling God "O LORD of hosts!"?**

Answer: "O LORD of hosts!" (Hebrew: `Yᵉhôvâh Tsâbâʼ`, H3068, H6635) is one of the most powerful and majestic divine titles in the Old Testament, emphasizing God's supreme authority and omnipotence. `Yᵉhôvâh` is God's personal covenant name, revealing His self-existent and relational nature. `Tsâbâʼ` means "armies" or "hosts," referring primarily to the celestial armies of angels, but also encompassing all the forces of creation—heavenly and earthly. By addressing God as "LORD of hosts," the psalmist acknowledges Him as the sovereign commander of all spiritual and physical powers. This title reinforces the immense power, holiness, and unchallengeable authority of the God who dwells in the "amiable tabernacles," making His presence a source of ultimate security and awe, as seen in [1 Samuel 1:3](/1_samuel/1-3 "1 Samuel 1:3 - Worshiping the LORD of Hosts").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 84:1, with its fervent longing for God's earthly dwelling, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual transformation in Jesus Christ. The "tabernacles" that the psalmist found so amiable were but a shadow of the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that "the Word became flesh and **dwelt** among us," using a Greek word (_eskēnōsen_) that literally means "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." Jesus Himself is the true and perfect "tabernacle" of God, the very presence of God incarnate, in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Fullness of God in Christ")). He is the ultimate access point to God, the one through whom we can draw near to the Father ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, Christ's resurrection established His body as the new and indestructible Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), and through the Holy Spirit, believers individually become temples of God ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and corporately form the Church, which is God's dwelling place by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - God's Household, Built on Christ")). The psalmist's longing for a physical dwelling is ultimately satisfied in Christ, who not only brings God's presence to us but also enables us to become His dwelling, culminating in the glorious vision of the New Jerusalem where God's "dwelling place is with man" forever ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Man")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 27:4

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 enquire in his temple.

Psalms 43:3

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

Psalms 36:8

They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

Psalms 8:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

Psalms 122:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

Revelation 21:22

And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

Revelation 21:23

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof.