Psalms 84:8

KJV

¶ O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

O LORD {H3068} God {H430} of hosts {H6635}, hear {H8085}{H8798)} my prayer {H8605}: give ear {H238}{H8685)}, O God {H430} of Jacob {H3290}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, God of armies, hear my prayer; listen, God of Ya'akov. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD God of Hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah

American Standard Version

O Jehovah God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 84:8 captures a profound and urgent prayer from the psalmist, invoking God through His most majestic and covenantal titles. Situated within a psalm that expresses an intense longing for God's presence in His sanctuary, this verse serves as a pivotal intercession. The psalmist, likely a pilgrim or Levite, appeals to the "LORD God of hosts," acknowledging His universal dominion and omnipotence, while simultaneously addressing Him as the "God of Jacob," emphasizing His personal, unwavering covenant faithfulness to His people. This dual address beautifully underscores both the awe-inspiring majesty and the intimate accessibility of God, culminating in an earnest plea for divine attention and intervention, punctuated by the reflective pause of "Selah."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 84 is a "Psalm of Ascent," traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. It is permeated by an intense yearning for God's dwelling place and the profound joy of worship in His presence. The psalm opens by extolling the blessedness of those who dwell in God's house and the spiritual strength of pilgrims whose hearts are set on pilgrimage, even as they pass through challenging valleys, transforming them into places of refreshing springs. Verse 8 marks a distinct shift from descriptive praise and longing to a direct, passionate prayer. It is an immediate and heartfelt appeal to the very God whose courts the psalmist so deeply desires, demonstrating that genuine spiritual longing naturally culminates in earnest supplication. The preceding verses, such as those describing the blessedness of those who dwell in God's house and the strength of pilgrims whose hearts are set on pilgrimage, as found in [Psalms 84:4-7](/psalms/84-4-7 "Psalms 84:4-7 - The Blessedness of God's Dwelling and Pilgrim's Strength"), set the stage for this direct outpouring of prayer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Psalms 84:8 is the ancient Israelite pilgrimage system, where devout Israelites would travel to Jerusalem three times a year for mandated feasts, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Feasts"). These journeys were often arduous, traversing rugged terrain, yet they were undertaken with immense spiritual anticipation, as the Temple in Jerusalem was considered the central place of worship and the dwelling of God's presence. Pilgrims would sing "Psalms of Ascent" as they ascended to Jerusalem, preparing their hearts for worship and communion. The titles "LORD God of hosts" and "God of Jacob" would have resonated deeply with the historical memory and theological understanding of the Israelites. "God of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) evoked God's power as the divine warrior and commander of heavenly armies, a title often used in times of national crisis or when emphasizing God's sovereignty over all creation, as seen in David's defiance of Goliath in [1 Samuel 17:45](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Declaration to Goliath"). "God of Jacob" directly recalled God's foundational covenant with the patriarch Jacob (Israel) at Bethel, signifying His enduring faithfulness to His chosen people, as recounted in [Genesis 28:13-15](/genesis/28-13-15 "Genesis 28:13-15 - God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core themes central to Psalm 84 and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Earnest Supplication**, evidenced by the repetition of "hear my prayer" and "give ear." This repetition underscores the psalmist's urgent and sincere petition for divine attention, reflecting a deep trust that God is both attentive and responsive to the cries of His people. Another significant theme is **God's Sovereign Authority**, highlighted by the majestic title "O LORD God of hosts." This appellation emphasizes God's supreme power, His dominion over all creation, and His ability to command all forces, assuring the psalmist of God's omnipotence to address any need. Simultaneously, the invocation "O God of Jacob" brings to the forefront the theme of **God's Covenant Faithfulness**. This title grounds the prayer in God's historical relationship with Israel, recalling His enduring promises to Jacob and his descendants, thereby reminding the worshiper of God's unwavering commitment to His people, as seen throughout the foundational covenant narratives in [Genesis](/genesis/1 "The Book of Genesis"). Finally, the verse implicitly teaches the **Power of Prayer**, illustrating the direct and personal nature of communication with the Almighty, encouraging believers to confidently bring their requests to the all-powerful and faithful God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD God of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym tsâbâʼ'_):** This majestic compound title combines the personal covenant name of God, _Yᵉhôvâh_ (H3068, often rendered "LORD" in English, signifying His self-existent, eternal nature), with _ʼĕlôhîym_ (H430, the general name for God, emphasizing His power and deity), and _tsâbâʼ_ (H6635, literally "armies" or "multitudes," signifying God's absolute dominion over all heavenly and earthly forces, including angelic armies, celestial bodies, and the entire cosmos). It portrays Him as the supreme Commander of the universe, emphasizing His omnipotence and universal reign. The psalmist invokes this title to acknowledge God's ultimate power and authority over all circumstances, affirming His capacity to hear and answer.
* **God of Jacob (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym Yaʻăqôb'_):** This phrase specifically links _ʼĕlôhîym_ (H430, God) to the patriarch _Yaʻăqôb_ (H3290, Jacob), whose name was later changed to Israel. It is a powerful reminder of God's personal, historical, and covenantal relationship with His people. It recalls the promises God made to Jacob at Bethel (cf. [Genesis 28:13-15](/genesis/28-13-15 "Genesis 28:13-15 - God's Covenant with Jacob")), establishing His enduring faithfulness to His chosen nation and His descendants. By addressing God as the "God of Jacob," the psalmist appeals to God's steadfast love and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, implying a plea based on God's historical acts of faithfulness.
* **Selah (Hebrew, _çelâh'_):** This term (H5542) appears frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk, functioning as a musical or liturgical notation. While its precise meaning remains debated among scholars, it is generally understood to indicate a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or an emphasis on the preceding lines. It prompts the reader or listener to stop, meditate deeply on the profound truth or prayer just expressed, and allow its weight to sink in. In Psalms 84:8, "Selah" calls for a moment of contemplation on the profound nature of the prayer, the titles of God invoked, and the earnestness of the supplication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer:"** The psalmist begins with a direct, fervent address to God, employing the most powerful and comprehensive titles. "O LORD God of hosts" establishes God's supreme authority and omnipotence as the Commander of all creation, both heavenly and earthly. This invocation immediately sets a tone of reverence and awe. The petition "hear my prayer" is a straightforward plea for divine attention, indicating the psalmist's confidence that the all-powerful God is also a God who listens to His supplicants. It is an expression of dependence and an expectation of response.
* **"give ear, O God of Jacob."** This clause echoes and intensifies the preceding plea for attention. "Give ear" is a parallel expression to "hear my prayer," emphasizing the urgency and sincerity of the petition. The shift to "O God of Jacob" grounds the prayer in God's covenant faithfulness and His historical relationship with Israel. By invoking this title, the psalmist appeals to God's steadfast love and His unwavering commitment to His people, implying a plea based on God's past acts of faithfulness and His enduring promises. This dual address to God as both the universal Commander and the covenant-keeping Father highlights the comprehensive nature of the psalmist's trust.
* **"Selah."** This concluding notation marks a pause, inviting the worshiper to meditate on the profound implications of the prayer. It encourages reflection on the majesty of the "LORD God of hosts," the faithfulness of the "God of Jacob," and the earnestness of the plea for divine attention. It serves as a spiritual exclamation point, allowing the weight of the preceding words to resonate deeply within the heart and mind.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 84:8 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent is **Invocation**, where the psalmist directly addresses God using specific, powerful titles ("O LORD God of hosts," "O God of Jacob"). This device establishes a personal and intimate tone, despite the grandness of the addressed deity. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure of the prayer, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "hear my prayer" is echoed and reinforced by "give ear." This repetition emphasizes the urgency and sincerity of the psalmist's plea for divine attention. Furthermore, the two distinct yet complementary titles of God, "LORD God of hosts" and "God of Jacob," create a form of **Complementary Parallelism**, juxtaposing God's universal sovereignty with His particular covenant faithfulness. The use of these **Titles of God** is itself a potent literary device, serving to characterize God and evoke specific aspects of His nature and relationship with humanity. Finally, "Selah" functions as a **Structural Device** or **Rhythmic Marker**, signaling a pause for contemplation and allowing the preceding words to resonate more deeply, enhancing the meditative quality of the psalm.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 84:8 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God and the practice of prayer. It presents God as both utterly transcendent and intimately immanent: the "LORD God of hosts" is the sovereign, omnipotent ruler of the cosmos, while the "God of Jacob" is the faithful, covenant-keeping God who personally relates to His people. This duality encourages believers to approach God with both reverent awe and confident assurance, knowing that the One who commands all creation also inclines His ear to the cries of His children. The earnest repetition of the plea ("hear my prayer," "give ear") underscores the biblical emphasis on persistent and sincere supplication, rooted in a deep trust in God's character and His willingness to respond. The verse affirms that prayer is not merely a human utterance but a direct appeal to the divine, a privileged encounter where the finite addresses the infinite, trusting in His power and His promises.

* [1 Kings 8:28](/1_kings/8-28 "1 Kings 8:28 - Solomon's Prayer for God to Hear")
* [Isaiah 40:28](/isaiah/40-28 "Isaiah 40:28 - God's Unwearying Power and Understanding")
* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 84:8 provides a timeless model for how believers ought to approach God in prayer, blending profound reverence with confident intimacy. It calls us to remember the vastness of God's power and authority, addressing Him as the "LORD God of hosts," the One who commands all creation and before whom no challenge is too great. At the same time, it reminds us of His personal, covenantal faithfulness, appealing to Him as the "God of Jacob," who remembers His promises and cares deeply for His people. This dual perspective empowers our prayers, transforming them from mere requests into acts of worship that acknowledge His supreme majesty and His unwavering love. In our own lives, this means bringing our petitions with earnestness, persistence, and a deep understanding of who God is—the all-powerful One who is also intimately attentive to our cries. It encourages us to lay bare our hearts, trusting that our prayers are not unheard but are received by a God who delights in hearing and responding to His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as both "LORD God of hosts" and "God of Jacob" deepen your confidence and reverence in prayer?**
* **What specific areas of your life or the world do you need to bring before the "LORD God of hosts," trusting in His supreme power?**
* **In what ways can you appeal to God's covenant faithfulness, remembering His past acts of grace and His unchanging promises?**
* **How does the psalmist's earnestness ("hear my prayer: give ear") challenge you to be more sincere and persistent in your own prayer life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the title "LORD God of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "LORD God of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh ʼĕlôhîym tsâbâʼ_) is profoundly significant. _Yᵉhôvâh_ (LORD) is God's personal covenant name, revealing His self-existent and eternal nature. _ʼĕlôhîym_ (God) is a general term for deity, emphasizing His power and divine nature. _tsâbâʼ_ (hosts) means "armies" or "multitudes," referring to God's dominion over all heavenly and earthly forces, including angelic armies and celestial bodies. By invoking this title, the psalmist acknowledges God's supreme power, omnipotence, and universal sovereignty. It underscores that the One being prayed to is the Commander of the universe, capable of handling any situation and worthy of ultimate reverence. This title frequently appears in the Old Testament, particularly in contexts emphasizing God's might and authority, such as in David's declaration to Goliath in [1 Samuel 17:45](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45 - David's Declaration to Goliath").

**Why does the psalmist also address God as "God of Jacob"?**

Answer: Addressing God as the "God of Jacob" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym Yaʻăqôb_) grounds the prayer in God's historical and covenantal relationship with Israel. Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, represents the patriarch through whom God established His covenant promises to His chosen people. This title recalls God's faithfulness to His promises made to Jacob at Bethel (see [Genesis 28:13-15](/genesis/28-13-15 "Genesis 28:13-15 - God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")) and throughout the history of Israel. By using this title, the psalmist appeals to God's steadfast love, His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and His proven track record of caring for His people. It emphasizes God's personal accessibility and His faithfulness to His enduring promises, providing a foundation of trust for the prayer.

**What does "Selah" at the end of the verse mean?**

Answer: "Selah" (Hebrew: _çelâh_) is a musical or liturgical notation found frequently in the Psalms and in Habakkuk. While its exact meaning is debated, it is generally understood to signify a pause. This pause could be for a musical interlude, for silent reflection, or to emphasize the preceding words. In the context of Psalms 84:8, "Selah" invites the reader or listener to pause and deeply meditate on the profound nature of the prayer just offered—the powerful titles of God invoked, the earnestness of the plea, and the implications of God's character. It serves as a moment to internalize the spiritual truth and allow its weight to sink into the heart and mind.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 84:8, with its fervent plea to the "LORD God of hosts" and the "God of Jacob," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's longing for God's presence and His attentive ear is perfectly met in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's dwelling among humanity (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus is the true "LORD God of hosts," possessing all authority in heaven and on earth (cf. [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), demonstrating His power over creation, sickness, and death. He is also the ultimate "God of Jacob," the promised Messiah through whom God's ancient covenant with Israel is fulfilled and extended to all nations (cf. [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise Made to Abraham and His Seed, Christ")). Through Christ, believers now have direct access to the Father, no longer needing to journey to a physical temple, for He is the new and living way (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Our prayers are heard not merely because God is attentive, but because they are offered in the name of Jesus, our great High Priest and intercessor (cf. [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our High Priest")). Thus, the earnest supplication of the psalmist is fully realized in the new covenant, where we approach the Father with confidence through the Son, who perfectly embodies both the omnipotence of the "God of hosts" and the covenant faithfulness of the "God of Jacob."

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 59:5

Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.