Psalms 84 - Introduction

A.M. 2981. B.C. 1023.

This Psalm contains the ardent desires of a pious soul toward God; a pathetic expression of the benefits and joy resulting from his public service; and an encouragement of the people to make the ways to his house fair and passable. Bishop Patrick has given it as his opinion, that it was composed by some pious Levite when Sennacherib's army had blocked up the way to Jerusalem, and hindered God's people from waiting upon the service of God at the temple. But it seems much more probable that David was the author of it, partly because it is ascribed to no other; and partly because it is most agreeable to his style and condition, namely, his banishment or absence from the place of God's worship, a condition in which he repeatedly was. He is supposed to have penned it, either in Saul's time, which, however, does not suit with Psalms 84:7, for then the tabernacle and ark were not in Zion; or rather during Absalom's rebellion. The psalmist here declares his love to the ordinances of God, Psalms 84:1. His sense of the happiness of those that enjoyed the benefit of attending them, Psalms 84:4. Addresses to God a devout prayer, and expresses his fervent desire after him, his faith in him, and his conviction of the blessedness of those that put their trust in him, Psalms 84:8.