Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, [even] thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
Ver. 3. Yea, the sparrow] Avis communissima, haunteth about houses, buildeth about windows, and there chirpeth.
And the swallow a nest for herself, &c.] She hath her name in Hebrew from her liberty to fly boldly, and to nestle in men's chimneys, Proverbs 26:2. The Hebrew word קן, for a nest, hath the first letter larger than the rest, to note God's providence in teaching birds to build. Hebrew Text Note
Even thine altars] Or, Oh thine altars! (so some read it) by a passionate exclamation, importing strongest desires after them. The want of God's ordinances should pinch us to the heart.