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Psalm", or the apocalyptic vision, we see that all Scripture speaks in glowing words of
that blessed dwelling-place, the home of those who were chosen and are made nigh.
(4) "We shall be satisfied."--All possible blessing is summed up in the word
"satisfied". Satisfaction cannot be found "under the sun" (Eccles. 1: 8; 4: 8). It belongs
to the life to come:--
"I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy
likeness" (Psa. 17: 15).
#7.
The blessing of anticipated victory.
pp. 201 - 203
The third book of the Psalms (73:-89:) contains a fourfold blessing, and this
fourfold blessing belongs to the second part of this book, namely, Psa. 84:-89::--
"Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house" (Psa. 84: 4).
"Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee" (Psa. 84: 5).
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee" (Psa. 84: 12).
"Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound" (Psa. 89: 15).
The first of these Psalms is written for the sons of Korah, and when we remember
that the sons of Korah were "Keepers of the thresholds (margin) of the tabernacle"
(I Chron. 9: 19), we better appreciate the words:--
"I had rather be a doorkeeper (Heb., sit at the threshold) in the house of my God,
than dwell (Heb., Go round about, have free access) in the tents of wickedness"
(Psa. 84: 10).
The blessing of Psa. 65: 4 ("chosen", "made nigh", and "dwelling") considered in
the last number of this series, and which we found "satisfied", is evidently satisfying the
Psalmist here. He has not yet reached the day when he shall awake, satisfied, in the
likeness of his Lord, but he lives in blessed anticipation of it, for the Lord he serves will
give "grace (now), and glory (then)" (verse 11). Consequently he adds, "Blessed is the
man that trusteth in Thee" (verse 12).
The Psalmist, by using the figure of the swallow and the sparrow, helps us to realize
the sense of security, warmth and peace that he found in the dwelling-place provided for
him:--
"Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where
she may lay her young, Even Thine altars, O Lord of Hosts, My King, and my God"
(Psa. 84: 3).
George Herbert has sung in much the same strain:--