1[For the choir director; on the [gittith]; a psalm by Korah's descendants.] Your dwelling place is lovely, O LORD of Armies!

2My soul longs and yearns for the LORD's courtyards. My whole body shouts for joy to the living God.

3Even 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.

4Blessed are those who live in your house. They are always praising you. [Selah]

5Blessed are those who find strength in you. Their hearts are on the road [that leads to you].

6As they pass through a valley where balsam trees grow, they make it a place of springs. The early rains cover it with blessings.

7Their strength grows as they go along until each one of them appears in front of God in Zion.

8O LORD God, commander of armies, hear my prayer. Open your ears, O God of Jacob. [Selah]

9Look at our shield, O God. Look with favor on the face of your anointed one.

10One 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.

11The 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.

12O LORD of Armies, blessed is the person who trusts you.