Ps 84 expresses the longing and delight of the Jews as they make their pilgrimage to Zion. It is there where they offered their sacrifices and worship God in the temple at Jerusalem. We can observe the various expressions that the Psalmist used to describe the temple in Jerusalem – “your dwelling place” (verse 1), “the courts of the Lord” (verse 2), “your house” (verse 4), “your courts” (verse 10), “the house of my God” (verse 10).

The phrase, “Lord of hosts” appears four times (verses 1, 3, 8 and 12. This name of God is “Yahweh Sabaoth” in Hebrew. “Sabaoth” means “armies” which is a reference to any army - spiritual or earthly. The name “Lord of hosts” emphasizes God’s sovereign control over every power, dominion, force, and realm.

Depending on where they are travelling from to make their pilgrimage to Zion, they may take days or weeks and the journey may be filled with dangers from bandits and all other kinds of dangers. The name “Lord of hosts” does not only assure them of God’s protection and safety along the way but it also reminds them that the purpose of their pilgrimage is to meet, in the temple at Zion this God who is their “Lord of hosts” and to worship Him.

Therefore, despite the risks and dangers in their pilgrimage, the hope of encountering God in the temple is the tone of this Psalm. Verses 1 and 2 describe the longing of their souls to be found in the dwelling place of God; as well as the heartfelt joy of knowing this living God. The Psalmist then mentions that even the birds like the sparrow and swallow make their nests there. The valley of Baca in verse 6 is an unknown place but we can deduce that it is an arid area without water. But even so, it does not dampen the people’s spirit in making their pilgrimage. Their anticipation of joy at their destination gives them the hope to make good of what they do not have at Baca.

Dear brothers and sisters, how do you prepare yourself when you come to church on Sun? I am not referring merely to your outer appearance like what we wear. Do we feel like the Jews in Psalm 84 – we are excited and look forward to worshipping and beholding Him in the sanctuary through singing songs of praise and listening to His word being preached?

I remember during the early years of my faith; it took me close to half an hour of walking to church. One Sunday, I was listening to Christian songs on my headphones. It was playing the hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.” Halfway cutting across a big grass field, my heart was overwhelmed with the holiness of God and my human sinfulness that I felt like kneeling down for a moment to worship and adore Him. I hesitated a little thinking of what people would think of me if they were around in the vicinity. But I decided to drop down on my knees nonetheless to behold God of His glory. My spirit felt so exhilarated then and later on during the church worship service.

Dear brothers and sisters, the Psalmist also says in Ps 122:1 “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”” Let us look forward to our Sunday worship to praise God for who He is and what He has done for us.

Prayer

Dear God, I bow my heart before you in fear of your holy name. Capture my heart and all of your people with the longing and anticipation to worship you at our church. Teach me how to prepare myself – rest early and prepare my heart spiritually the night before, set aside my offering gift and get ready my Sunday clothes. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.