Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#84

84. How Lovely Is Your House, O LORD

Text Information

• First Line: How lovely is your house, O LORD
• Title: How Lovely Is Your House, O LORD
• Versifier: Ada Roeper-Boulogne (1979)
• Meter: 889 889 88
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Psalm 84
• Topic: Biblical Names & Places: Jacob; Funerals; Marriage; Return of Christ; Church; Lord's Supper; Ministry & Service; Opening of Worship; Refuge; Walk with God
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications

Tune Information

• Name: GENEVAN 84
• Harmonizer: Howard Slenk (1985)
• Meter: 889 889 88
• Key: D Major
• Source: Genevan Psalter, 1562
• Copyright: Text and harmonization © 1987, CRC Publications

Text Information:

The prayer of a yearning heart asking to be restored to the house of God.

Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-4
st. 2 = vv. 5-7
st. 3 = vv. 8-10
st. 4 = vv. 11-12

Psalm 84 expresses the longing of an outcast believer or a pilgrim for sweet communion with God at the temple (see also 42 and 63). Faint with longing, the psalmist yearns "for the courts of the LORD" (v. 2), where faithful worshipers of all times and places are blessed and even birds find safe haven (st. 1). Just the thought of being in God's presence invigorates those who are on pilgrimage to God's holy place (st. 2; other songs of Zion are 46, 48, 76, 87, 122, 125, and 137). Pleading to be restored to the temple–if only to a humble place of service (st. 3)–the psalmist confidently declares that God is gracious to those who trust and serve the LORD (st. 4).

Ada Roeper-Boulogne (PHH 18) versified this psalm in 1979 for the Psalter Hymnal. Another setting of Psalm 84 is at 243.

Liturgical Use:
Beginning of worship; expressions of longing for the new Jerusalem.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

GENEVAN 84 first appeared in the 1562 edition of the Genevan Psalter; Howard Slenk (PHH 3) harmonized it in 1985. The rhythm of the first phrase is altered to match that of the second and final phrase. (The original first phrase began with two half notes followed by four quarter notes.) This loved Genevan psalm features much rhythmic vitality and should be sung with firm organ accompaniment that inspires confident singing.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook