Friday, June 28 – Psalms 84, 85

1. What does the psalmist earnestly long for? Psalms 84:2

2. What does the psalmist consider better than a thousand days elsewhere? Psalms 84:10

3. What is the meaning of Psalms 84:10?

Commentary and Reflection

Psalms 84 and 85 are attributed to the sons of Korah. Other names of individuals are also associated with the Psalms, such as authors, contributors, compilers, musicians, and others involved in composing these poems or songs. Among these are David, Asaph, Korah, Moses, Heman, Ethan, Solomon, and Jeduthun.

I wondered if the sons of Korah mentioned here had any relation to Korah, who rebelled against Moses (Numbers 16:1-35). We are informed that these sons of Korah were his descendants who escaped the punishment inflicted on their ancestors. They became leaders in the worship of the temple (1 Chronicles 6:22; 9:19), thus fulfilling God’s just law that children should not pay for the sins of their parents.

The beautiful Psalm 84 was composed by David, the anointed of the Lord, when he was away from Jerusalem (v.9; Testimonies vol. 4). The psalmist expresses his longing for the sanctuary. He yearns for the courts of the Lord. How wonderful it would be if today we had the same devotion and love for the house of the Lord and its worship!

We urgently need to elevate the concept of individual and collective worship. Throughout the Bible, we find that worship is the most essential activity of the believer (Psalm 29:2; Revelation 5:8-14).

Worship is the creature’s response to the Eternal Maker. The subject is the human being, and the Object of worship is God. I have always been impressed that the first question of the Shorter Catechism of Westminster is: What is the Chief end of man? The answer is, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and find joy in Him.”

The psalmist in this song enjoys God in His sanctuary. It has been well said that the worship service should not center on the minister. This is the service of the people to God in His sanctuary.

In worship, we must first think of God and ourselves only about God. True worship frees us from self-concern.

Psalms 84 and 85 are complementary and of the same style, to be sung with stringed instruments and for the sons of Korah.

The latter part of Psalm 85 exalts the love and faithfulness of God. This was fully manifested in the person of the Messiah. In Jesus, “Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.” (vv.10-13) These are the cardinal attributes of God: compassion, truth, righteousness, peace. Jesus embodied them for our redemption. Thus, God’s plan of salvation is consummated. Sister White reaffirms it:

“God’s love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy. Justice is the foundation of His throne, and the fruit of His love. It had been Satan’s purpose to divorce mercy from truth and justice. He sought to prove that the righteousness of God’s law is an enemy to peace. But Christ shows that in God’s plan they are indissolubly joined together; the one cannot exist without the other. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Psalm 85:10. By His life and His death, Christ proved that God’s justice did not destroy His mercy, but that sin could be forgiven, and that the law is righteous, and can be perfectly obeyed. Satan’s charges were refuted. God had given man unmistakable evidence of His love.” Desire of Ages 763

May The Lord fill your life with His grace.