Psalm 84 (83):1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This psalm carries the title "For the sharpened." As you have keenly observed, dear friends, the text itself contains no mention of any milling machinery, wine presses, or tools typically associated with such tasks; it does not elaborate on lathe construction. If the title had been followed by references to such devices, it might have led the unspiritual to misconstrue it as merely a song addressing physical lathes. However, since the title is present yet no further discussion of these familiar lathes occurs, it seems evident that the Spirit of God intended for deeper, more spiritual lathes to be found and understood. Let us reflect on the workings of these tangible mills and apply those insights to the workings of the Church. The grapes grow on their vines, and the olives cling to their branches. These are the two fruits from which presses are most often made; while they remain attached, they seem to enjoy liberty, with neither wine nor oil extracted. This mirrors humanity, predestined by God to bear the image of His only Son, as noted in Romans 8:29, who first endured great suffering. Like hanging grapes or olives, these individuals experience a certain freedom in the world before dedicating themselves to God's service. Yet as it is written, "My son, when thou art approaching the service of God, O God, stand in judgement and fear, and prepare thy soul for temptation" (Sirach 2:1). So, anyone who draws near to the service of God finds themselves confronted with trials—afflictions that refine rather than destroy, preparing them to enter God's treasures. Just as the skins are stripped away from grapes, so too are the veils of sensual desires removed. This reflects the Apostle’s directive to "leave the old man, and put on the new man." All this transformation comes about through the pressure of trials, which is why the congregations of God are seen as places of sharpening.

But who are we, the ones placed in this sharpening process? It is the sons of Korah. Following that, we see "tochilam," referring to the sons of Korah, interpreted as the sons of the bald, in a sense reflecting our own understanding in service to God. When we are under pressure, we may be broken to turn away from our attachment to worldly, temporary, and unstable things, which cause us torments and challenges. This leads us to seek a rest not found in this life or on this earth; the Lord becomes, as written, the refuge of the needy. What is a needy person? Someone without support, lacking any earthly comfort. Although the world abounds with riches, those who trust in them are often filled with fear rather than joy. No matter how much wealth one accumulates, all worldly possessions can be transient. As such, those who possess material wealth may find themselves spiritually impoverished. Conversely, those desiring such riches yet finding themselves lacking are also considered poor, as God does not value strength but the heart's intent. The truly needy recognize the fleeting nature of worldly abundance; calling upon the Lord, they find themselves pressed like grapes or olives, transforming into pure desires. Their deepest yearning is for God, the only true object of their affections. Their love extends beyond this world to the Creator of heaven and earth; they may love Him without fully experiencing His presence yet. Their longing is amplified; the more they desire, the more their capacity to receive grows. God will not withhold from them the fullness of Himself, who is their eternal treasure.

Therefore, beloved, as you are able, make offerings to the Lord—do not dwell on past achievements or turn your attention from what lies ahead; let your pursuit be relentless, for our journey is not one of mere physical motion but a movement of desire. None should claim they've arrived; even Paul said, "Brethren, I count myself not as having attained" (Philippians 3:13). If you sense the world's temptations even in happiness, recognize that you are in the refining process. If the world appears to offer happiness, remind yourself of your struggles and call upon the name of the Lord. True troubles are not insignificant, hidden within superficial contentment; as the Apostle asserts, "while we are in the body, we are far from the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:6). If you feel miserable when separated from your earthly father, how much more so without the Lord? Many presume they are content, but those who understand life's fleeting pleasures recognize their true state when away from God; they discern their affliction and eagerly invoke the Lord's name. Such is the essence of the one who sings this psalm. Who is this? The Body of Christ—this includes you and all of us, for we are united as one Body. "How beautiful are thy bushes, O Lord of hosts" (Psalm 82:1). There is one bush, the sharpened one, but the soul yearns for other bushes where there is no pressure, flowing into those by longing desire.

What follows is this: "My soul thirsts and longs for the courts of the Lord" (Psalm 83:2). Longing is not enough; why should it falter? The courts of the Lord are the destination. Grapes that are pressed indeed appear exhausted; yet, why? To transform into wine that fills the vats and the greater storehouses, remaining in peaceful silence. Here they are coveted, there they are received; here are sighs, there is joy; here are prayers, there are praises; here are groans, there is exultation. Let none among us feel ashamed of these struggles; let no one shy away from suffering, for to fear the sharpening leads to a fate worse than being consumed by wild beasts.

You have heard the groaning in the winepress; "my soul languishes and longs for the courts of the Lord"—consider how it clings to hope: "my heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God." Where does joy arise if not from hope? What is the source of their joy? In the living God. In whom do you rejoice? In your heart and flesh. Why joy? Because it is written, "the sparrow has found a home, and the turtledove a nest where she can lay her young" (Psalm 83:3). Here are two things presented, likened to the sparrow and the turtledove: the heart is as the sparrow, the flesh akin to the dove. The sparrow has found rest; it is as though my heart has found a home. It flutters amidst the virtues of this life—faith, hope, and love—through which it might soar upward. When it arrives there, the sorrowful cries of the sparrow will cease; it reflects upon the same sparrow noted elsewhere, "as a sparrow alone on the roof." From rooftop heights, it seeks its true home. Let it ascend beyond the carnal sphere, crossing to an eternal dwelling, where joy thrives devoid of lament. The dove is given a place to brood; she has found a nest for her young. The sparrow's house is eternal, whereas the dove’s nest is temporary. In our hearts, we reflect on God, like a sparrow settling in its abode, while our flesh acts through good works. Many good deeds flourish from the flesh of the saints, fulfilling the commands given to us: "Break thy bread to the hungry man, and bring the poor and the homeless into thy house. If thou seest any man naked, clothe him" (Isaiah 58:7). These righteous acts derive from our bodily existence.

It is clear, brethren, that many undertake commendable actions outside the Church. Gentiles show kindness to the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome strangers, comfort the imprisoned. Despite these actions being good in the world, they lack true sanctification without the Church; they cannot safeguard or nurture their offspring. The works of the flesh must seek refuge in the faith. The nest symbolizes our faith; thus, it is written: "Your altars, O Lord of Hosts, are my King and my God." Who is my King and my God? He who leads and created me.

"Blessed are those who dwell in your house" (Psalm 83:4). If you have a dwelling of your own, you remain poor; through God's house, you become rich. Owning your own home breeds anxiety over thieves, while in God's house, He provides impenetrable protection. Hence, the blessedness of those residing in His house. They possess the heavenly Jerusalem without constraints or distinctions; each has everything. This wealth is unparalleled. A brother shares joy, never enviously; necessity tempts no one. Consider all pursuits; they emerge from need. Reflect on various vital arts—speaking on behalf of the wronged, healing the sick—upon what do they depend without their respective situations? If wounds do not exist, how can a physician heal? The essentials arise from necessity; take away hunger, thirst, nakedness—who craves these?

Thus, many noble acts are aimed at the needy; by seeking to break bread for the hungry, we fulfill theable commands. Consider the call to invite strangers into our homes. What need exists in a place of eternal wellness? What litigants to reconcile in an eternal state of peace? What dead to bury where life is perpetual? None of the honorable deeds facilitated by humanity lack meaning in that day. When the swallows depart, believers will ascend towards the eternal praise of God—the goal of our existence.

You have already stated, "Blessed are they that dwell in your house." But reflect now upon purpose, for we seem devoid of instruction. In the heavenly realm, there will be no need for reminders or teachings, nor will the Gospel to be read in a land where the very Word is present. Continuous praise will be our singular duty, an incessant Hallelujah. Do not assume, my brethren, that weariness will accompany our praise; if endurance wanes here, it arises from our temporal distractions. If we find little joy in what is unseen, how profound will our joy be once we perceive the reality?

When death is swallowed in victory; when the mortal puts on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:54), none will claim to have labored long; no one will lament their devotion. There will be a grand resplendence; our glorified bodies will thrive in the contemplation of God. Consider the profound nourishment provided by these words—even amidst our current frailty! United with God, transformed, we shall be like Him, as we shall behold Him as He is (1 John 3:2).

How shall we reach that state? "Happy is the man whose strength is in You" (Psalm 82:5). Recognizing his limitations, he knew he could not soar to such bliss through fleshly strength alone. The burden of his earthly nature is noted: "For a corruptible body weighs down the soul, and an earthly house oppresses the mind of much thinking" (Wisdom 9:15). The spirit aspires while the heaviness of flesh pulls downward; this struggle evokes the grinding experience. The Apostle depicts this struggle further, recalling his distress: "I am a wretched man; who shall deliver me from this body of death? The grace of God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 7:24-25). Engaging with the law to guide us in righteousness, we find our lifeline in grace through Christ. So, with fervent longing directed toward the house of God, and lifting cries for divine praises, hope surges again: "Blessed is the man whose acceptance is in Thee" (Psalm 83:5).

What grace does God bestow upon those He lifts to lead? "He has placed the stepping stones in his heart..." Where are these stones lodged? "In his heart, in the valley of weeping" (Psalm 83:6). This valley replaces trials with godly sorrow, the tears of repentance holding their own sweet wine in sorrowful hearts. "They went out with weeping, casting forth his seed." Through God's grace, let the steps upward reside within you, prompting elevation through love. This is why it is called the Psalm of Steps.

This psalm also makes reference to congregations, indicating the reason it is titled 'tochileh.'

Ultimately, O tochilas, a song of the sons of Kore (Ps. 83:1). The three psalms designated ‘of the cleavers’ are the eighth, the eightieth, and the eighty-third. The first carries David’s name, the second bears Asaph’s, while the last is attributed to the sons of Kore. Permit me to share a fundamental tenet regarding Scripture: any psalm labeled ‘of the sons of Kore’ is invariably uplifting rather than mournful. This is rooted in the fact that Kore, Dathan, and Abiron revolted against Moses and faced judgment, yet the sons of Kore, who did not follow their father’s rebellion, are blessed with everlasting joy. Given that ‘Korei’ translates to ‘forehead,’ which symbolizes the site of resurrection, it follows that every son of Kore embodies the hope of resurrection.

The prophecy in the psalm is dual in nature, as it predicts both the calling of the Jewish people and the redemption of all creation. As previously mentioned, the Prophet addresses the churches, for within them, the spiritual harvest yields its produce, allowing us to create the life-giving wine that genuinely brings joy to the hearts of the faithful.

To the end, for the sharpeners. For the descendants of Korah. The eighth and eightieth Psalms, along with this Psalm, share a common title; they all refer to the winepresses, symbolizing the Christian congregations that exist everywhere. In ancient times, Israel had a single grape, just as there was one winepress and one altar within the temple in Jerusalem. However, now we find numerous winepresses spread throughout the entirety of Christ's churches across the world. Theodoret indicates that this psalm is recited on behalf of the Hebrews who were held captive in Babylon. As they find themselves distant from the temple in Jerusalem, they yearn for it and express admiration for those who reside near it. This psalm presents a dual prophecy, encompassing not only the return of the Jewish people but also the redemption of all creation. Thus, David also refers to these sharpened congregations here.

The sons of Korah, similar to Asaph, were known as psalmists who received prophetic messages from David meant to be sung in the form of psalms. It has been noted that the 'cleaver' symbolizes the profound mysteries surrounding the sufferings of Christ, who, in enduring them, metaphorically crushed the cleaver, filling it with death through His triumph. Consequently, some translators have rendered the heading of this psalm as the victorious song of the cleaver. However, the translation by the seventy also accurately conveys 'to the end,' as Christ, to whom this refers, embodies the fulfillment of the law.

ADVERTISEMENT. A psalm for the chief musician, set to the instrument of lament, composed by the sons of Korah. CONTENT. David, in his time of exile, expresses his sorrow that nothing pains him more than being distanced from the dwelling place of God and the fellowship of the faithful who call upon His name. He acknowledges that nothing can diminish the fervor of the devoted in their pursuit of God and their turning to Him. He earnestly longs for his return from exile, declaring that one day spent in the presence of God is far superior to a prolonged existence among the unfaithful.

Numerous ancient and contemporary scholars acknowledge this psalm as resembling both the content and structure of Psalm 41. This similarity naturally leads to the conclusion that, akin to Psalm 41, it was crafted during the time of Absalom's rebellion, as indicated by the psalm's superscription, which attributes it to a descendant of Kore. The figure represented by the speaker in the psalm is the Anointed One of the Lord (v. 10), a king who finds himself in a lamentable condition (v. 7; in a pit of despair), fervently pleading for divine intervention (v. 9-10). He experiences separation from the sacred place of worship, unable to gaze upon the God of gods in Zion (cf. v. 8) or reside within His holy dwelling (cf. v. 5). Yet, bolstered by the assurance of his integrity (v.

This psalm, written by David, was entrusted to the chief singer, a descendant of Korah, for performance. Within it, the prophet articulates his deep yearning to return to Jerusalem after experiencing exile and hardship, longing to visit the Divine Sanctuary. The prophet refers to the churches as “churches” because within their midst, spiritual fruits flourish. This psalm encompasses the griefs, trials, and tribulations of the faithful, who, for the sake of Christ, endure suffering and shed tears while yearning to move from this sorrowful state to the heavenly tabernacle established by the Lord and not by human hands (Heb. 8:2).