Psalms 84

Ver. 3. Yea, the sparrow &c.] The Psalmist is generally supposed in this verse to lament his unhappiness in being deprived of all access to the tabernacle or temple, a privilege enjoyed even by the birds, who were allowed to build their nests in the neighbourhood of the sanctuary. It is evidently the design of this passage to intimate to us, that in the house, and at the altar of God, a faithful soul findeth freedom from care and sorrow, quiet of mind, and gladness of spirit; like a bird that has secured a little mansion, for the reception and education of her young. And there is no heart, endued with sensibility, which does not bear its testimony to the exquisite beauty and propriety of this affecting image. Bp. Horne.

— the swallow] Rather, the dove. Bp. Lowth, Merrick.

Psalms 84:5

5. — in whose heart &c.] The meaning seems to be, “whose heart is bent on travelling the ways to thy temple.” Green, Merrick.

Psalms 84:6

6, 7. Who passing &c.] After many uncertain conjectures offered by commentators upon the construction of these two verses, it seems impossible for us to attain to any other than a general idea of their true import; Vol. II.