Tehillim 84 | Longing for the Courtyards of God

Like other psalms of the sons of Korach, Psalm 84 expresses a deep longing for God’s courtyards and for dwelling in the shelter of His Presence. The poet describes how wondrous the Temple appears to him: “How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts” (verse 2), and how much he yearns for it: “My soul longs and pines for the Lord’s courtyards; my heart and my body sing out to the living God” (verse 3).

This dwelling within God's house is described in two dimensions:
- On a moral level – the choice to be in His courtyards is a choice to join the assembly of the righteous and distance oneself from the company of evildoers. The poet wishes to remain on the threshold of the House of God, rather than dwell in the “tents of wickedness”.
- On a level of Divine protection – being in God’s courtyards provides security and grace for those who walk in His ways: “For the Lord God is sun and shield; the Lord will grant grace and glory; He will not withhold good from those who walk blamelessly. O Lord of Hosts, happy are those who trust in You” (verses 12–13).