*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
Blessed are they who dwell in thy house. Here the Psalmist expresses more distinctly the proper and legitimate use of the sanctuary; and thus he distinguishes himself from hypocrites, who are sedulously attentive to the observance of outward ceremonies, but destitute of genuine heart godliness. David, on the contrary, testifies, that the true worshippers of God offer to him the sacrifice of praise, which can never be dissociated from faith. Never will a man praise God from the heart, unless, relying upon his grace, he is a partaker of spiritual peace and joy.
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house - Who are constantly there; whose permanent abode is there. The reference is to the priests and Levites - the ministers of religion - who had their permanent abode near the tabernacle and the temple, and who were wholly devoted to the sacred duties of religion. Their lot is here spoken of as a blessed, or as a happy lot, in contradistinction from those who had only the opportunity of occasionally going up to worship. Compare the notes at Psalm 65:4.
They will be still praising thee - They will do it constantly, as their daily employment. It will not be worship begun and ended, but worship continued - the regular business from day to day. Such will heaven be; and this will constitute its glory. There will be
(a) a permanent residence there: "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out," Revelation 3:12; and
(b) there will be the constant service of God; such a service that it may be described as perpetual praise.
The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate render this, "They will praise thee for ages of ages;" that is, forever.
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house - They who have such a constant habitation in thy temple as the sparrow or the swallow has in the house wherein it has built its nest.
They will be still praising thee - They will find it good to draw nigh unto God, as he always pours out his Spirit on his sincere worshippers.
Blessed are they that dwell in thy house,.... The house of God, in his tabernacles and courts; referring to the priests and Levites, who were frequently officiating there, in their turns, night and day; and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Gibeon, where the ark and tabernacle were, who had frequent opportunities of attendance on divine worship: and happy are those who have a name and place in the church of God, who abide there, and never go out; see Psalm 65:4, the Targum is,
"blessed are the righteous, &c.''
and the Arabic version, "blessed are all they that dwell, &c", they are happy on account of their settlement, and also on account of their work, as follows:
they will be still praising thee; which is delightful employment; for praise is pleasant and comely; and in which they are continually and constantly engaged, as their mercies return upon them, as they do every day; and especially on Lord's days, or at the stated times of public worship; such will bless and praise the Lord, both for temporal and spiritual blessings, as long as they live; see Hebrews 13:15.
Selah. See Gill on Psalm 3:2.
This view is favored by the language here, which, as in Psalm 15:1; Psalm 23:6, recognizes the blessing of membership in God's family by terms denoting a dwelling in His house.
They - That constantly abide in thy house; the priests and Levites, or other devout Jews who were there perpetually, as Anna, Luke 2:36-37. They will - They are continually employed in that blessed work.
*More commentary available at chapter level.