Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 84:1-12
LXXXIV. A Pilgrim Psalm. Psalms 84:3 . sparrow (rather “ little bird” generally) and swallow are metaphorical for pious Jewish pilgrims. As the birds find their nests and homes, so the Jew, worthy of the name, finds his rest and joy in proximity to the altars of his God. “ Altars” may be a poetical plural, like “ holy places” in Psalms 68:35 ( cf. especially Psalms 132:5; Psalms 132:7). To take the words as if they meant that the birds in the literal sense found a home at the altar would... read more
G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Psalms 84:1-12
This is a pilgrim psalm. It falls into three strophes divided by Selahs. The first describes the pilgrim’s hope (vv. Psa 84:1-4 ); the second, the pilgrim’s experience (vv. Psa 84:5-8 ); the third, pilgrim’s prayer (vv. Psa 84:9-12 ). The hope of the pilgrim is centred in the dwelling-place of God. The earthly temple suggests the heavenly home. It is a place of rest and of worship. The light of it shines upon the pathway, and is the inspiration of the pilgrimage. The experience of the... read more