Psalms 84:7
They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
Original Language Analysis
יֵ֭לְכוּ
H1980
יֵ֭לְכוּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
חָ֑יִל
from strength
H2428
חָ֑יִל
from strength
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
2 of 8
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
חָ֑יִל
from strength
H2428
חָ֑יִל
from strength
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
4 of 8
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
יֵרָאֶ֖ה
appeareth
H7200
יֵרָאֶ֖ה
appeareth
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
Cross References
Proverbs 4:18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.Isaiah 40:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.2 Corinthians 3:18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.Job 17:9The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.Psalms 43:3O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.Deuteronomy 16:16Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:John 1:16And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.John 14:3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.Psalms 42:2My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
Historical Context
The three annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles) brought thousands to Jerusalem. Pilgrims would sing these Songs of Ascent while approaching the city, their voices growing stronger as the temple came into view. The promise that 'every one' appears before God emphasizes inclusivity—all who make the journey, regardless of social status, encounter the same God. This foreshadows the New Covenant where all believers, not just priests, have access to God's presence through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Questions for Reflection
- Have you experienced the paradox of going 'from strength to strength' in pursuing God—how does seeking Him energize rather than deplete?
- What is the relationship between the journey (pilgrimage) and the destination (appearing before God)—does God strengthen us only for the sake of arrival, or is the journey itself transformative?
- How does this verse challenge modern Christianity's emphasis on convenience and ease—what is the value of difficult pursuit of God's presence?
Analysis & Commentary
They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. The pilgrimage reaches its climax: sustained divine strength culminating in God's presence. "From strength to strength" (מֵחַיִל אֶל־חָיִל/mechayil el-chayil) describes increasing rather than depleting vigor. Chayil denotes strength, might, efficiency, wealth, or army. Pilgrims don't arrive exhausted but strengthened progressively, contrary to natural expectation.
This supernatural stamina fulfills Isaiah 40:31: "They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength... they shall walk, and not faint." The journey toward God's presence energizes rather than depletes. Each step toward the temple brings fresh strength. This anticipates Christian experience where pursuing God renews rather than exhausts (2 Corinthians 4:16).
"Every one of them in Zion appeareth before God" (יֵרָאֶה אֶל־אֱלֹהִים בְּצִיּוֹן/yera'eh el-Elohim beTsiyon) states the pilgrimage's goal: appearing before God in Zion. This phrase recalls the covenant requirement that Israelite males appear before the LORD three times yearly (Exodus 23:17, Deuteronomy 16:16). The journey finds purpose in divine encounter. All strength leads to this: standing in God's presence.