Definition: Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, [even] thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 84:3. It's a really beautiful and thoughtful passage about nature and our relationship with God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that even though we are small and seemingly insignificant like a sparrow or swallow, we still have a place to rest and build a life, and we can find comfort and peace in our connection to the divine. It’s about recognizing that God's presence is everywhere, even in the smallest things. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Yea, the sparrow hath found an house…” – This starts with a familiar image. A sparrow finds a home. It’s a simple, natural thing to think about. It suggests that God can work and create in unexpected ways. “…and the swallow a nest for herself…” – Now we're talking about birds! The swallow is building its nest. This emphasizes a focus on creation and provision. It shows that God provides for us, just like he provides for all things. “Where she may lay her young…” – This is the key part. The sparrow lays her eggs and then raises her chicks. The swallow builds her nest and cares for her offspring. This represents a time of nurturing and growth – a time when we are given opportunities to create, nurture, and grow in our lives. “[even] thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.” - This is the most important part. The speaker is acknowledging that God is the ultimate provider and sustainer . “Altars” are like places of worship – a place where we offer our praise and devotion to Him. "My King" highlights God’s supreme authority, and “my God” shows complete reverence and love for Him. Overall Meaning: The verse is a powerful expression of dependence on God. It’s saying that even though we might feel small or powerless, we are connected to something greater than ourselves – God. We can find comfort in knowing that He provides and sustains us, just like He provides for all things. It’s about recognizing our place within the grand design of creation and the divine presence that surrounds us. In short, it's a reminder to trust in God’s plan and to be grateful for His provision. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss its symbolism within a larger context of biblical themes (like creation or the relationship between humans and nature)?