Psalm 84:1-4; antiphon, Psalm 84:5—In the
Introit for Sunday, we pray, “Blessed are those whose strength is in You in
whose heart are the highways to Zion.” This psalm has three main divisions:
1-4, 5-7, 8-11 as well as a conclusion in verse 12.
In the Hebrew text, a six-line unit
precedes and follows a three-line reflection on the blessedness of those free
to make a pilgrimage to Zion. Each of these six-line divisions contains three
references to the “Lord” while the seventh reference (symbolizing completeness
or perfection) appears in the conclusion.
Psalm 84 – The Pilgrims love and
longing for the LORD’s House
The title of this psalm is To the
Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. These
sons of Korah were Levites, from the family of Kohath. By David’s time it seems
they served in the musical aspect of the temple worship (2 Chronicles 20:19).
Korah led a rebellion of 250
community leaders against Moses during the wilderness days of the Exodus
(Numbers 16). God judged Korah and his leaders and they all died, but the sons
of Korah remained (Numbers 26:9-11). Perhaps they were so grateful for this
mercy that they became notable in Israel for praising God.[2]
Water Is Life
The Gospel and Old Testament lessons (John 4:5-26; Exodus 17:1-7)
are obviously connected because of the theme of water, physical and spiritual
water. The Epistle lesson has no reference to water, but to the life, that
follows justification by faith: peace, access, hope, and joy. Justification is
based on the love of God shown in Christ’s dying for the ungodly. Psalm 95 is
closely related to Lesson 1 because it refers to the Israelites’ putting God to
the test. The Gospel lesson gives an insight into the human-divine Jesus. We
see His humanity: He is tired from walking and thirsty from the noonday heat.
Like any of us, He asks for a drink of water. On the other hand, His divinity
shows: He offers living water of eternal life, teaches about true worship of
God, and admits He is the Messiah.
Collect for Psalm 84: – Almighty God, you heard the
prayer of Christ your chosen one and raise him to the lasting joy of your
presence. Help us in our pilgrimage toward you to love your Church and to offer
the sacrifice of praise at your altar, that we may hasten to your home and
joyfully look upon your glorious splendor, which we have seen in your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. [3]
[1] The Crucifixion, Schnorr von Carolsfeld, woodcuts © WELS Permission to use these copyrighted items is limited to personal and congregational use.
[3]
Collect for Psalm 84, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church,
Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau
[4]
Ibid, Collect for Monday of the week of Lent 2
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