Purpose

To provide a songbook for worship and express the full range of human emotions in relationship with God.

Author

Multiple authors over 1,000 years. David wrote nearly half (73 psalms), often during his years as a shepherd, warrior, and king. Other contributors include worship leaders, musicians, and poets.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-400 BC. Israel's worship songs covering 1,000 years of history from Moses to the exile.

Significance

The Bible's prayer book and hymnal, showing us how to relate to God honestly in every circumstance.

Key Themes

Worship, Prayer, God's Character, Trust, Deliverance

Interesting Facts

• Psalms is the longest book in the Bible with 150 chapters
• Jesus quoted Psalms more than any other Old Testament book
• Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible (2 verses)

Prophecies

• Messianic psalms predicting Christ's suffering and glory (Psalms 22, 69, 110, etc.) Fulfilled: Jesus fulfilled these in His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension (1000 years later)

Psalm 84 is a profound expression of longing and desire for the presence of God, attributed to the Sons of Korah. The chapter opens with a declaration of the beauty of God's dwelling place, emphasizing the deep yearning of the psalmist's soul for the courts of the Lord. This yearning is not merely physical but encompasses a spiritual longing for communion with the living God. The psalmist compares the blessedness of those who dwell in God's house, highlighting their perpetual praise, and further illustrates this by noting how even the smallest of birds find refuge and home at God's altars. The psalm transitions to the theme of strength derived from God, emphasizing that those who set their hearts on pilgrimage to Zion are blessed. They navigate through challenges, represented by the Valley of Baca, transforming it into a place of springs, symbolizing hope and renewal. This imagery conveys that the journey towards God is often fraught with trials, but through faith, these trials can lead to spiritual growth and abundance. A significant aspect of the psalm is the comparison of one day in God's courts to a thousand days spent elsewhere. This highlights the unparalleled value of God's presence, underscoring that even the humblest role in God's house is far superior to enjoying the luxuries of the wicked. The psalm concludes with a powerful affirmation of God's character as a sun and shield, bestowing favor and honor upon those who walk uprightly. Overall, Psalm 84 encapsulates the longing for divine communion, the transformative power of faith, and the assurance of God's goodness for those who trust in Him.