This psalm was composed by one or more of the sons of Korah who were Levites working in the temple. Their responsibilities included participating in the praise and manning the entrances to ensure that those who came in had appropriate access. They would engage in their duties by rotation, which meant that some were away from the temple at certain times. This psalm describes the response of those who were not on duty (v. 2). Nevertheless, their thoughts and their hearts were at the temple.
The author’s statement that the temple is lovely indicates that he loves it and the reason why he loves it is because it was the place where the God of heaven had chosen to dwell on earth. Since the death of Jesus and his subsequent resurrection and ascension, buildings are no longer the house of God. Rather his people are where he dwells, so we are not to assume that the building where we gather is God’s house. But do we love his people because they are where God dwells by his Spirit?
The fact that the psalmist was away from the temple did not mean that he could not recall what he had seen there and rejoice in what he remembered. In its courts, he had seen the invisible God revealed through the various activities taking place there - his holiness revealed through the necessity of sacrifices, his covenant love revealed in giving special blessings to his chosen people, and his desire to be with them in peace revealed in the fellowship offerings. The temple was a place of refuge, and even the fact that birds such as sparrows and swallows nested there reminded him of the safety of the presence of the sovereign God. He also recalled those who would be on duty in the temple, leading the praise of God (vv. 1-4).
This unknown psalmist also recalled those who would be worshipping there (vv. 5-8). Because the temple had a geographical location, it meant that everyone who worshipped there had to travel there. They were provided with divinely-given strength for the journey. Sometimes, they had to travel through arid valleys (Baca), but even there they were provided with water. Whatever the difficulties on the journey, the God-given strength continued and eventually they reached the temple and joined in with the worship. Therefore the psalmist prayed for his people to know God’s blessing. Their commitment to worship in an earthly sanctuary is a challenge to us regarding how much easier it is for us to be in the presence of God in a communal manner, and do we attend?
In verse 9, the psalmist prays for the king, the one whom God had anointed as their shield. He needed divine wisdom to govern, but here he symbolises the need Israel had for divine protection. The author knew that the king in himself had little power, therefore he prayed for God to ensure that his kingdom would continue. We also should pray for his kingdom to continue, although we know that our King Jesus has all power.
In verse 10, the author recalls those who would be engaged in the activity that he would have done when he was on duty. Sometimes this reference to a doorkeeper is taken to mean a humble activity, but that is to misunderstand the role. When on duty, he would be a guide for those attending the worship activities as well as a protector controlling access to the temple. Such responsibility was much better than living among the wicked.
The psalmist knows that his God is good (v. 11). God is like the sun and warms his heart, giving him light in a world of darkness; the Lord is a shield protecting him from opponents of every kind. God provides favour and honour simultaneously - after all, what greater privilege can be given than to be allowed to worship the exalted Lord!
As long as the worshipper lives according to God’s instructions, he will received good things from the God of all grace. The believer does not merit them because of his behaviour, but he will not receive them if he becomes careless about his commitment to God.
The psalmist closes with the thought that, although the Lord of hosts is surrounded by worshippers, he is blessed because of the individual relationship he has with his God. The God of the many is also the God who gives great blessings to each of his people in a personal way (v. 12).
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