This is a pilgrim psalm. It falls into three strophes divided by Selahs. The first describes the pilgrim's hope (vv. Psa 84:1-4); the second, the pilgrim's experience (vv. Psa 84:5-8); the third, pilgrim's prayer (vv. Psa 84:9-12).
The hope of the pilgrim is centred in the dwelling-place of God. The earthly temple suggests the heavenly home. It is a place of rest and of worship. The light of it shines upon the pathway, and is the inspiration of the pilgrimage.
The experience of the pilgrim is then described. Faith has an anchorage; it is found in God when the heart is set upon the consummation. Faith has an activity; it passes through dry valleys and fills them with springs of refreshment. Faith has an assurance; it goes from strength to strength, confident of finally appearing before God.
The pilgrim finally pours out his prayer, and it is full of praise and confidence. Its desire is for the vision of God, which by comparison is infinitely to be preferred, even though it be the distant view of a doorkeeper, to all the world has to offer. The lessons of the psalm for all the pilgrims of hope are first, that the heart should be set upon the upper things; secondly, that faith may dig wells in driest places and find the living Water; and finally, that pilgrimage develops strength, rather than produces weakness, as these conditions are fulfilled.