Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God. – Psalm 84:3

Today's Scripture Reading (August 3, 2022): Psalm 84

Just outside my office window, I can hear the calls of several species of birds. Some are sweetly singing, while others answer them with a more raucous cry. With the assistance of a couple of crows, the magpies seem to be the directors of this symphony. These birds also act as the disciplinarians of the feathered community that gathers just on the other side of the wall. I suspect that there might be a nest of some kind up on the roof, but it has been a long time since I have bothered to go up and take a look. I think most would look at the birds and consider them a nuisance, especially the presence of the bigger disciplinarians. They are noisy and sometimes can be violent. But that is only one side of this feathered tale.

The Psalmist looks at the birds in and around the Tabernacle and sees something quite different from what others might see. Others might see a nuisance, but the Psalmist looks at the birds and envies them. These birds have chosen to make their home in and around the House of God. They have built their nests close to the homes of the priests. He watches as they flutter down into the Temple area and walk around the altar. And the Psalmist wishes that he was a bird just like them, that he could make his home close to the Tabernacle, and that he could fly down and touch the altar of his God.

The choice of birds that the psalm uses are unlikely to be accidental. The sparrow was an example of birds thought to be of little significance. But even the insignificant are welcome in the House of God. On the other hand, the swallow was a picture of restlessness as it flew to and fro around the Tabernacle. But even the restless can find rest, building their nest at the House of God. And the Psalmist continues his desire to be like the insignificant sparrow and the restless swallow.

English academic and university administrator George Horne (1730-1792) leaves us with this thought;

"It is evidently the design of this passage to intimate to us, that in the house, and at the altar of God, a faithful soul findeth freedom from care and sorrow, quiet of mind, and gladness of spirit; like a bird that had secured a little mansion for the reception and education of her young" (George Horne).

And the Psalmist echoes his plea; oh, to be that bird.

Today's Scripture Reading: Psalm 85