Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
The psalmist teaches us that separation from the house of God causes the deepest distress, yet nothing, no obstacle whatever, can break the longing of the godly to seek Him. They will find a way where none exists. Better one day in God's tabernacle than a lifetime among the ungodly.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 84:1-12
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee. Having spoken of the blessedness of those who reside in the house of God, he now speaks of those who are favoured to visit it at appointed seasons, going upon pilgrimage with their devout brethren: he is not, however, indiscriminate in his eulogy, but speaks only of those who heartily attend to the sacred festivals.
The psalmist here, being by force restrained from waiting upon God in public ordinances, by the want of them is brought under a more sensible conviction than ever of the worth of them. Observe, I. The wonderful beauty he saw in holy institutions (Psa 84:1): How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!
Commenting on Psalm 84:1-7