[1] Your dwelling place is lovely, O LORD of Armies! [2] My soul longs and yearns for the LORD's courtyards. My whole body shouts for joy to the living God. [3] Even sparrows find a home, and swallows find a nest for themselves. There they hatch their young near your altars, O LORD of Armies, my king and my God. [4] Blessed are those who live in your house. They are always praising you. Selah [5] Blessed are those who find strength in you. Their hearts are on the road that leads to you. [6] As they pass through a valley where balsam trees grow, they make it a place of springs. The early rains cover it with blessings. [7] Their strength grows as they go along until each one of them appears in front of God in Zion. [8] O LORD God, commander of armies, hear my prayer. Open your ears, O God of Jacob. Selah [9] Look at our shield, O God. Look with favor on the face of your anointed one. [10] One day in your courtyards is better than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather stand in the entrance to my God's house than live inside wicked people's homes. [11] The LORD God is a sun and shield. The LORD grants favor and honor. He does not hold back any blessing from those who live innocently. [12] O LORD of Armies, blessed is the person who trusts you.
