has found a home
The Hebrew word for "home" is "bayit," which denotes a dwelling place or house. In the ancient world, a home was not just a physical structure but a place of safety, belonging, and rest. The sparrow finding a home in the temple courts suggests a place of refuge and peace. This imagery conveys the idea that God's presence offers a sanctuary for all who seek Him. It emphasizes the inclusivity of God's love and the welcoming nature of His dwelling place, where even the smallest creatures can find rest and security.

and the swallow a nest for herself
The swallow, or "deror" in Hebrew, is another small bird known for its swift flight and migratory patterns. The swallow's ability to find a nest in the temple signifies a place of stability amidst constant movement. Historically, swallows were seen as symbols of freedom and hope. The mention of a nest indicates a place of nurturing and growth, where life can be sustained and flourish. This reflects the nurturing aspect of God's presence, where believers can find spiritual nourishment and growth.

where she places her young
The phrase "where she places her young" highlights the protective and nurturing environment of the temple. In the ancient context, the temple was not only a place of worship but also a community center where people gathered for various activities. The imagery of a bird placing her young in the temple courts suggests a safe haven where future generations can be raised in the knowledge and fear of the Lord. It underscores the importance of the temple as a place of spiritual heritage and continuity.

near Your altars
The altars in the temple were central to the worship practices of ancient Israel. They were places of sacrifice, symbolizing atonement and communion with God. The Hebrew word for altar is "mizbeach," which comes from a root meaning "to sacrifice." The proximity of the birds to the altars signifies closeness to God's presence and the sacrificial system that facilitated reconciliation with Him. This highlights the accessibility of God's grace and the invitation for all creation to draw near to Him.

O LORD of Hosts
The title "LORD of Hosts" is "Yahweh Sabaoth" in Hebrew, emphasizing God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. This title reflects God's power and authority over all creation, including the spiritual realm. It reassures believers of God's ability to protect and provide for them, as He commands the hosts of heaven. In the context of the psalm, it underscores the majesty and might of the One who dwells in the temple, offering assurance to those who seek refuge in Him.

my King and my God
The psalmist's declaration of "my King and my God" is a personal affirmation of faith and allegiance. The use of "my" indicates a personal relationship with God, acknowledging His rule and divine authority in the psalmist's life. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king was a figure of ultimate authority and protection. By calling God "my King," the psalmist expresses trust in God's sovereign rule. The phrase "my God" further emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship between the believer and the divine, highlighting the intimacy and devotion inherent in true worship.

Swallow.--Heb. deror, which by its etymology implies a bird of rapid whirling flight. (See Proverbs 26:2, where this characteristic is especially noticed.) The ancient versions take the word as cognate with "turtle-dove." In an appendix to Delitzsch's Commentary on the Psalms, Dr. J. G. Wetzstein, identifies the tsippor with the osfur of the Arabs, a generic name for small chirping birds, and deror with d-ri. which is specific of the sparrow.

Even thy altars.--Better, at or near thine altars, though even if taken as in the Authorised "Version the meaning is the same. There is no real occasion for the great difficulty that has been made about this verse. It is absurd indeed to think of the birds actually nesting on the altars; but that they were found in and about the Temple is quite probable, just as in Herodotus (i. 159) we read of Aristodicus making the circuit of the temple at Branchidae, and taking the nests of young sparrows and other birds. (Comp. the story in 'lian of the man who was slain for harming a sparrow that had sheltered in the temple of 'sculapius.) Ewald gives many other references, and among them one to Burckhardt showing that birds nest in the Kaaba at Mecca.

The Hebrew poetic style is not favourable to simile, or the psalmist would have written (as a modern would), "As the birds delight to nest at thine altars, so do I love to dwell in thine house."