THE LORD WILL GIVE GRACE AND GLORY

If all the people of Israel had the thoughts about God’s dwelling place possessed by the writer of this psalm, then Psalm 79 would never have been written. The tabernacles (dwelling places) of the Lord of hosts were thought to be “lovely”, v. 1 R.V. marg. The plural refers to the many parts of the one building, namely, the temple. For some reason, the writer is unable for the moment to be at the temple, but his whole being cried out to be there, not for the ritual, but for “the living God”, who promised to meet His people there.

The psalm was “of the sons of Korah”. Korah had led the rebellion against Moses, God’s representative, and consequently Korah came under the judgment of God; see Num. 16. However the grace of God retrieved the situation for Korah’s descendants, amongst whom was the writer of this psalm.

He desires for himself the situation enjoyed by the swallow that had nested in the temple. It had constant unhindered access to the temple, and in particular to its altars. The brazen altar was the place where God was completely satisfied with the burnt offering, while the golden altar was the place where He was completely delighted—both speaking of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, Eph. 5. 2.

For the writer who did not dwell in the temple, v. 4, even “a day in thy courts is better than a thousand”, v. 10. He would rather have the menial task of doorkeeper (or, as some commentators prefer, “a singer standing on the threshold” ), than to be something or someone among the wicked.

The reason for this happiness in a lowly position is given in verse 11: “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory”. Every possible material and spiritual need is catered for by his God. The God of glory will give glory to His people. Indeed, “no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly” cf. Phil. 4. 19. Blessed indeed is the man who trusts in Him, v. 12.

Today we too are blessed, but our blessings are spiritual. We are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, Eph. 1. 3. We too enjoy divine protection, “for I am persuaded … (that nothing) … shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus”, Rom. 8. 38, 39.