My soul yearns, yes, faints with longing
for the courtyards of Adonai;
my heart and body cry for joy
to the living God.

As the sparrow finds herself a home
and the swallow her nest, where she lays her young,
[so my resting-place is] by your altars,
Adonai-Tzva’ot, my king and my God.

AI
We can’t be sure about the author of Psalm 84 or the historical circumstances in which he wrote it. Some respected commentators (Calvin & Spurgeon) think that David wrote it and some, the sons of Korah.

The Sons of Korah were descendants of Korah, a Levite who rebelled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, yet they became significant contributors to the Book of Psalms.

Despite their ancestor’s rebellion, which resulted in divine judgment, the sons of Korah were spared and later played a crucial role in Israel’s worship as Levitical singers and composers. Eleven psalms are attributed to them—Psalms 42, 44–49, 84, 85, 87, and 88—highlighting their deep devotion and theological insight.

These psalms reflect themes of longing for God’s presence, trust in His faithfulness, and the joy of worship. For instance, Psalm 42 expresses a profound spiritual yearning: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so pants my soul for you, O God.”

Similarly, Psalm 84 captures their reverence: “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked”.

Beyond their musical and liturgical contributions, the Sons of Korah also served as doorkeepers and custodians of the tabernacle and later the temple. Some of them were also noted as expert warriors who supported King David. Their legacy is particularly significant as they rose from the shadow of their ancestor’s rebellion to become leaders in worship and praise, embodying a powerful narrative of divine grace and redemption.

As the sparrow finds herself a home and the swallow her nest, where she lays her young, [so my resting-place is] by your altars.
Psalm 84:2-3

Look at the birds flying about! They neither plant nor harvest, nor do they gather food into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they are?
Matthew 6:26

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; You are worth more than many sparrows.
LUKE 12:6-7

What else can I add? For those feeling unseen and unheard right now. For those who feel as if God has forgotten His promises to them.