Psalms 84

Gittith] So Psal. VIII. and LXXXI. And Obed-Edom, a Levite, and Porter or Singer in the Tabernacle, is called a Gittite, 2 Sam. VI. 10. haply from Gath-rimmon, a Citie of the Levites, Iosh. XXI. 25. And there is Gath a Citie of the Philistines. The word then may signifie an Instrument of musick, not such as our Gitterne; such as was used in Gath; or rather used by the posterity of Obed-Edom the Gittite: Or it may import that those three Psalmes were sung upon occasion of Davids removing the Ark from Kiriathjearim to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite; and from thence to Jerusalem, 1 Chron. XIII. and XV. chapters. More certaintie is not found out.

Korah] See the Observations on Psal. XLII. Title.

Psalms 84:3

thine Altars] The places near them might haply become the nests of birds, Josh. XXIV. 26. Or this may relate to the Psalmists longing and crying after them, by an abrupt and pathetical exclamation and naming of them, Oh thine Altars, thine Altars: not yet excluding the force of that argument from the birds nestling, either near, or elsewhere. Some hence conceive, That this Psalme was penned by David in the time of his Exile and banishment from Gods house and service by the means of Saul, verse 9. not so likely of Absalom.

Psalms 84:5

the wayes of them] Of the travellers that go up to God house, and of such as have liberty so to do: or the high-wayes and causies themselves that leade to thy house.

Psalms 84:6

of Baca] Or Mulberry trees, which use to grow in dry places. A valley of this name was nigh Jerusalem, 2 Sam. V. 22, 23. Joshua XV. 8.

make it a Well] By digging Wells therein for water: no drought, or difficulties shall hinder them from coming to Gods house, but they will break through them. Or, make him a Well; that is, God in stead of a Well to them, Jer. II. 13. and XVII. 13. Psal. XXXVI. 9.

the rain also filleth the pools] Which they digged; God so provides for them. Or, the bountiful rain of Gods blessings, of grace and comfort, shall cover and comfort them.

Psalms 84:7

from strength to strength] increasing so, as Rom. I. 17. 2. Cor. III. 18. Or, from company to company; from troop to troop; as by troops they came up to Gods house thrice a year.

Psalms 84:9

Of thine anointed] David the type; Messiah, the truth.

Psalms 84:10

a door-keeper] Fixt and a servant, in the meanest office there; then to be free, and frolick, and flourishing in the highest degree, in the bravest tents of wickednesse.

Psalms 84:11

grace and glory] Many referre grace to this life, and glory to that which is to come. But grace rather may seeme here to signifie favour, estimation, honour, as Prov. III. 34. Iames IV. 6. 1 Pet. V. 5. Exod. III. 21. Num. chap. XII. 36. and XXXIII. 12. Gen. VI. 8. and XXXIX. 4. and L. 4. Esther II. 15. 17. and V. 2. Prov. XXII. 1. and chap I. 9. and IV. 9. Luke II. 52. and I. 28. compared with verse 30.