Psalm 84:6-9

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 84:6

Verse 6 6They passing through the valley of weeping, will together make it a well. The meaning of the Psalmist is, that no impediments can prevent the enlightened and courageous worshippers of God from making conscience of waiting upon the sanctuary. By this manner of speaking, he confirms the statement which he had previously made, That nothing is more desirable than to be daily engaged in the worship of God; showing, as he does, that no difficulties can put a stop to the ardent longings of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 84:7

Verse 7 7They will go from strength to strength. In this verse the same sentiment is repeated. Mount Zion being the place where, according to the appointment of the law, the holy assemblies were observed, after the ark of the covenant was removed thither, it is said, that the people of God will come to Zion in great numbers, provoking one another to this good work. (467) The word חיל, chayil, seldom signifies a troop, or band of men, but most commonly power, or strength. It will therefore be... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 84:8

Verse 8 8O Jehovah, God of Hosts! hear my prayer. David, instead of acting like worldly men, who foolishly and unprofitably distress and torment themselves by inwardly cherishing their desires, very wisely directs his wishes and prayers to God. From this it is also evident, that he was not accustomed to indulge in ostentatious boasting, as is the case with many hypocrites, who present to outward appearance a wonderful ardor of zeal, while yet the omniscient eye of God sees nothing but coldness... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 84:1-7

The glory of worship. I. HELPS US TO REALIZE OUR NEARNESS TO GOD . ( Psalms 84:1 .) "How lovely are thy dwellings!" or "the house where thou dwellest." II. IT IS THE EXPRESSION OF THE DEEPEST LONGING OF THE HEART AND SOUL . ( Psalms 84:2 .) III. IT GIVES THE SENSE OF BEING AT HOME WITH GOD . ( Psalms 84:3 .) He is at a distance from the sanctuary; and the birds of the air seem nearer God than he is. IV. IT ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 84:1-12

The psalm falls into three equal stanzas or strophes, each of four verses, the ends of the first and second stanzas being shown by the pause mark, "selah." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 84:1-12

The soul's sweet home. This is one of the Korahite psalms, like Psalms 42:1-11 ; Psalms 43:1-5 ; and some eight others. The late Dean Plumptre, in his 'Biblical Studies,' pp. 163-166, gives reasons for concluding that they all belong to the reign of Hezekiah, and were written by members of the Levitical family of Korah. One or more of them, it may be, hindered by the presence of the army of Sennacherib from going up to the temple, as they had been wont to do, pours out his grief in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 84:5-6

The joy of the pilgrims. In these verses there is a blending of the real and the figurative; the actual journey towards Zion is represented as accompanied with ideal blessings of peace and refreshment. The poet has thought of the blessedness of those who dwell constantly in God's house. Now he thinks of the blessedness of those who are permitted to go there, and to tarry there for a while. And this leads him to recall what happy times he had known, even in the journeys to Jerusalem.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 84:6

Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a wall; rather, through the valley of weeping ( τὴν κοιλάδα τοῦ κλαυθμῶνος , LXX .). So Hupfeld. Hengstenberg, Kay, and the Revised Version; compare Hosea's "valley of Achor," i.e. "of Grief." When the righteous pass through a time of suffering or calamity, they turn it into a time of refreshment. The rain also filleth the pools; rather, the early rain ( Joel 2:23 ) covereth it with blessings. The rain of God's grace mantles... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 84:6

Living water from hidden springs. "Passing … a well." "The valley of Baca," i.e. of weeping, or lamentation. The image is of a company of pilgrims towards the holy city, whose way lies through a desolate, sterile valley. In that "dry and thirsty land" many a traveller has fainted with thirst. On those rugged rocks many a feeble or heedless foot has slipped, many a pilgrim fallen. But if "the blessings of heaven above" and "the precious things of the earth" be denied, there is yet "the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 84:7

They go from strength to strength. Their spiritual course is one of continually greater vitality and vigour. Every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. Either "Each in his turn appears to render thanks and praise before God's holy seat on Mount Zion;" or "Each in his turn shall appear before God's throne in the true Zion, heaven." read more

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