Psalms 84

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the psalmist expressing his love for God's temple and his desire to be there, as seen in Psalms 84:1-4. He then describes the blessedness of those who dwell in God's house and those who trust in Him, as stated in Psalms 84:5-7. The psalmist also asks God to hear his prayer and to look upon him with favor, as seen in Psalms 84:8-9. He concludes the chapter by expressing his desire to be with God and to be in His presence, as stated in Psalms 84:10-12. Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of being in God's presence and the joy that comes from it.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 84 is part of the third book of Psalms, which is a collection of psalms that emphasize the importance of worship and being in God's presence. The chapter is likely written by David, who was a king and a priest, and it reflects his love for God and his desire to be in His presence. The chapter is also connected to other psalms that emphasize the importance of worship and faith, such as Psalms 42 and 43.

Heart Application

As we read Psalms 84, we are reminded of the importance of being in God's presence and trusting in His goodness and faithfulness. We can apply this to our own lives by prioritizing worship and seeking to be in God's presence through prayer and Scripture. We can also trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, even in difficult circumstances, and seek to walk uprightly before Him.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 84 is a chapter about longing for God's presence and trusting in His goodness and faithfulness. The psalmist expresses his love for God's temple and his desire to be there, and he emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God. As seen in Psalms 84:4, God is a sun and shield, providing light, protection, and favor to those who walk uprightly. This chapter reminds us to prioritize worship and to trust in God's faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances.

Voices from the Church

“The psalmist's love for God's temple is a beautiful example of the importance of worship and being in God's presence. As Spurgeon once said, "The temple of God is a place of wonder, a place of awe, and a place of reverence."”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's goodness and faithfulness. As Calvin once said, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Psalm (Psalms 84:1-4) — The psalmist expresses his love for God's temple and his desire to be there, highlighting the importance of worship and being in God's presence.
2. The Blessedness of Those Who Dwell in God's House (Psalms 84:5-7) — The psalmist describes those who dwell in God's house and those who trust in Him as blessed, emphasizing the joy and happiness that comes from being in God's presence.
3. The Psalmist's Prayer (Psalms 84:8-9) — The psalmist asks God to hear his prayer and to look upon him with favor, emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking God's face.
4. The Conclusion (Psalms 84:10-12) — The psalmist concludes the chapter by expressing his desire to be with God and to trust in Him, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's goodness and faithfulness.
5. The Final Blessing (Psalms 84:12) — The psalmist expresses his desire to be with God and to trust in Him, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's goodness and faithfulness.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Worship

Psalms 84 emphasizes the importance of worship and being in God's presence, highlighting the joy and happiness that comes from it. As seen in Psalms 84:1-4, the psalmist expresses his love for God's temple and his desire to be there.

The Goodness and Faithfulness of God

The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's goodness and faithfulness. As seen in Psalms 84:4, God is a sun and shield, providing light, protection, and favor to those who walk uprightly.

The Importance of Faith

The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's goodness and faithfulness. As seen in Psalms 84:12, the psalmist expresses his desire to be with God and to trust in Him.

The Beauty of God's Presence

The psalmist's desire to be in God's presence is a recurring theme throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of being with God. As seen in Psalms 84:4, God is a sun and shield, providing light, protection, and favor to those who walk uprightly.

Lessons from Psalms 84

1. The Importance of Worship — Psalms 84 emphasizes the importance of worship and being in God's presence, highlighting the joy and happiness that comes from it. We can apply this to our own lives by prioritizing worship and seeking to be in God's presence through prayer and Scripture.
2. The Goodness and Faithfulness of God — The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's goodness and faithfulness. We can trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, even in difficult circumstances, and seek to walk uprightly before Him.
3. The Importance of Faith — The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's goodness and faithfulness. We can apply this to our own lives by trusting in God's faithfulness and goodness, even in difficult circumstances.
4. The Beauty of God's Presence — The psalmist's desire to be in God's presence is a recurring theme throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of being with God. We can seek to be in God's presence and to trust in His goodness and faithfulness, as emphasized in Psalms 84.
5. The Importance of Prayer — The psalmist asks God to hear his prayer and to look upon him with favor, emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking God's face. We can apply this to our own lives by prioritizing prayer and seeking to be in God's presence through prayer and Scripture.

Themes from Psalms 84

1. The Importance of Worship — Psalms 84 emphasizes the importance of worship and being in God's presence, highlighting the joy and happiness that comes from it.
2. The Goodness and Faithfulness of God — The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's goodness and faithfulness.
3. The Importance of Faith — The psalmist's trust in God is evident throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of faith in God's goodness and faithfulness.
4. The Beauty of God's Presence — The psalmist's desire to be in God's presence is a recurring theme throughout the chapter, emphasizing the importance of being with God.
5. The Importance of Prayer — The psalmist asks God to hear his prayer and to look upon him with favor, emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking God's face.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the psalmist's desire in Psalms 84:1-4, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
2. What does the psalmist mean by saying that God is a sun and shield in Psalms 84:4, and how can we trust in God's goodness and faithfulness?
3. How can we prioritize worship and being in God's presence in our own lives, as emphasized in Psalms 84?
4. What does the psalmist's trust in God teach us about the importance of faith, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
5. How can we seek to be in God's presence and to trust in His goodness and faithfulness, as emphasized in Psalms 84?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 84

	Sermon	Description
	(The Glory of God) in Moral Purity by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of avoiding immorality and impurity. He encourages the audience to disconnect from dangerous influences, such as television,
	(1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are pilgrims journeying home and our only real enemies are within us. God has changed the external world and protecte
	2005 Missions Conference - Session 1 by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a young man named Tim who experienced a traumatic event with his father. Despite the pain and fear he went through, Tim at
	The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 1 by Jonathan Edwards	In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their personal journey of seeking salvation and experiencing conviction of their sinfulness. They describe moments of feeling the gate
	Sin by Oswald J. Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the penalties of sin, both physical and spiritual death. He emphasizes that death exists in the world because of sin and it was not part of G
	Pray and Not Lose Heart by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the limitations of a brief encounter with people at a conference and expresses a desire for a conference solely focused on fellowship. The s
	Battling Lust by John Piper	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation of knowledge and allegiance to God and Christ. He believes that by immersing oneself in the f
	Hearts Set on Pilgrimage by Elisabeth Elliot	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of facing trials and challenges while doing missionary work in a remote area. He mentions reading from 1 Peter, where it ta
	Beyond Categories by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking a deeper understanding of God and His truth. He highlights the need to move beyond our current understanding and be
	Lost Dimension in Christian Living by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher challenges the audience to reflect on their personal relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of worshiping God and the cost it may require,

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 84

In his commentary on Psalms 84, Matthew Henry emphasizes the psalmist's deep longing for God's presence and his desire to be in God's temple. Henry notes that the psalmist's love for God's temple is a beautiful example of the importance of worship and being in God's presence. He also emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, highlighting the blessedness of those who trust in Him. Henry concludes by noting that the psalmist's desire to be with God and to trust in Him is a reminder of our own need for Christ, who is the only way to the Father. As Henry says, 'The psalmist's heart is filled with a deep longing to be with God, and he expresses this desire through his words.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?