How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place

By Scottish Psalter

Lyrics

1. How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
O Lord of hosts, to me!
The tabernacles of thy grace
how pleasant, Lord, they be!

2. My thirsty soul longs veh'mently,
yea faints, thy courts to see:
My very heart and flesh cry out,
O living God, for thee.

3. Behold, the sparrow findeth out
an house wherein to rest;
The swallow also for herself
hath purchasèd a nest;
Ev'n thine own altars, where she safe
her young ones forth may bring,
O thou almighty Lord of hosts,
who art my God and King.

4. Blessed are they in thy house that dwell,
they ever give thee praise.

5. Blessed is the man whose strength thou art,
in whose heart are thy ways:

6. Who passing thorough Baca's vale,
therein do dig up wells;
Also the rain that falleth down
the pools with water fills.

7. So they from strength unwearied go
still forward unto strength,
Until in Zion they appear
before the Lord at length.

8. Lord God of hosts, my prayèr hear;
O Jacob's God, give ear.
9 See God our shield, look on the face
of thine anointed dear.

1. 0 For in thy courts one day excels
a thousand; rather in
My God's house will I keep a door,
than dwell in tents of sin.

1. 1 For God the Lord's a sun and shield:
he'll grace and glory give;
And will withhold no good from them
that uprightly do live.

1. 2 O thou that art the Lord of hosts,
that man is truly blessed,
Who by assurèd confidence
on thee alone doth rest.

Bible Reference

Psalm 84

About This Hymn

"How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place" is a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 84, first published in The Scottish Psalter of 1564. The paraphrase is traditionally attributed to John Hopkins, a prominent figure in the development of the Scottish metrical psalms. This psalm expresses a deep longing for the presence of God and the beauty of His dwelling place.

The text has been set to various tunes over the centuries. One of the most widely used melodies is "HARINGTON" (also known as "RETIREMENT"), composed by Henry Harington in 1775. This tune is characterized by its stately and reflective nature, complementing the psalm's themes of reverence and devotion. Another notable tune is "MCKEE," which is commonly used in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal.

The hymn has been included in numerous hymnals, reflecting its enduring popularity. It continues to be sung in various Christian denominations, particularly in contexts emphasizing worship, longing for God's presence, and the beauty of the church as His dwelling place.