Psalms 84:8

“O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer, etc.] the redemption of the captives, says Kimchi; for the building of the house, the temple, according to Jarchi; but rather for the courts of God, an opportunity of attending them, and for the presence of God in them; (see <198402>Psalm 84:2) in which he might hope to succeed, from the consideration of the Lord’s being the God of hosts, or armies, in heaven and in earth; and so was able to do everything for him, and more for him than he could ask or think; his arm was not shortened, nor his ear heavy, (<235901>Isaiah 59:1), and as this character is expressive of his power, the following is of his grace: give ear, O God of Jacob; he being the covenant…”

“O Lord God of hosts - See the notes at Psalms 84:1. God is appealed to here as a God of power; as a God who is able to accomplish all his purposes, and to impart every needed blessing. Hear my prayer - A prayer of the psalmist that he might also have a place among the servants of God in their worship, Psalms 84:2. To this earnestness of prayer he is excited by the view which he had of the blessedness of those who went with songs up to Zion. His soul longs to be among them; from the sight of them his prayer is the more fervent that he may partake of their blessedness and joy. Give ear, O God of Jacob - With whom Jacob wrestled in prayer, and prevailed. Genesis 32:24-30. On the phrase, “give…”