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Psalms 27:4
Verse
Context
The LORD Is My Salvation
3Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. 4One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. 5For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
There is only one thing, that he desires, although he also has besides full satisfaction in Jahve in the midst of strangers and in trouble. The future is used side by side with the perfect in Psa 27:4, in order to express an ardent longing which extends out of the past into the future, and therefore runs through his whole life. The one thing sought is unfolded in שׁבתּי וגו. A life-long dwelling in the house of Jahve, that is to say intimate spiritual intercourse with the God, who has His dwelling (בית), His palace (היכל) in the holy tent, is the one desire of David's heart, in order that he may behold and feast upon (חזה בּ of a clinging, lingering, chained gaze, and consequently a more significant form of expression than חזה with an accusative, Psa 63:3) נעם ה (Psa 90:17), the pleasantness (or gracefulness) of Jahve, i.e., His revelation, full of grace, which is there visible to the eye of the spirit. The interpretation which regards amaenitas as being equivalent to amaenus cultus takes hold of the idea from the wrong side. The assertion that בּקּר בּ is intended as a synonym of חזה בּ, of a pleased and lingering contemplation (Hupf., Hitz.), is contrary to the meaning of the verb, which signifies "to examine (with ל to seek or spie about after anything, Lev 13:36), to reflect on, or consider;" even the post-biblical signification to visit, more especially the sick (whence בּקּוּר הלים), comes from the primary meaning investigare. An appropriate sense may be obtained in the present instance by regarding it as a denominative from בּקשׁ and rendering it as Dunash and Rashi have done, "and to appear early in His temple;" but it is unnecessary to depart from the general usage of the language. Hengstenberg rightly retains the signification "to meditate on." בּהיכלו is a designation of the place consecrated to devotion, and לבקּר is meant to refer to contemplative meditation that loses itself in God who is there manifest. In Psa 27:5 David bases the justification of his desire upon that which the sanctuary of God is to him; the futures affirm what Jahve will provide for him in His sanctuary. It is a refuge in which he may hide himself, where Jahve takes good care of him who takes refuge therein from the storms of trouble that rage outside: there he is far removed from all dangers, he is lifted high above them and his feet are upon rocky ground. The Chethb may be read בּסכּה, as in Psa 31:21 and with Ewald 257, d; but, in this passage, with אהל alternates סך, which takes the place of סכּה in the poetic style (Psa 76:3; Lam 2:6), though it does not do so by itself, but always with a suffix. (Note: Just in like manner they say in poetic style צידהּ, Psa 132:15; פּנּהּ, Pro 7:8; מדּה, Job 11:9; גּלּהּ, Zac 4:2; and perhaps even נצּהּ, Gen 40:10; for צידתהּ, פּנּתהּ, מדּתהּ, גּלּתהּ, and נצּתהּ; as, in general, shorter forms are sometimes found in the inflexion, which do not occur in the corresponding principal form, e.g., צוּרם, Psa 49:15, for צוּרתם; מגוּרם, Psa 55:16, for מגוּרתם; בּערמם, Job 5:13, for בּערמתם; בּתבוּנם, Hos 13:2, for בּתבוּנתם; פּחם; Neh 5:14, for פּחתם; cf. Hitzig on Hos 13:2, and Bttcher's Neue Aehrenlese, No. 693.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The secret of his confidence is his delight in communion with God (Psa 16:11; Psa 23:6), beholding the harmony of His perfections, and seeking His favor in His temple or palace; a term applicable to the tabernacle (compare Psa 5:7). There he is safe (Psa 31:21; Psa 61:5). The figure is changed in the last clause, but the sentiment is the same.
John Gill Bible Commentary
One thing have I desired of the Lord,.... Not to be returned to Saul's court; nor to his own house and family; nor to have an affluence of worldly riches and honours; but to have constant abode it, the house of the Lord; an opportunity of attending continually on the public worship of God; which is excused and neglected by many, and is a weariness to others, but was by the psalmist preferred to everything else; he being now deprived of it, as it seems; that will I seek after; by incessant prayer, until obtained; importunity and perseverance in prayer are the way to succeed, as appears from the parable of the widow and unjust judge; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life: not in heaven, Christ's Father's house, where he dwells, and where the saints, will dwell to all eternity; though to be clothed upon with the house from heaven is very desirable; rather, in the church of the living God, which is the house of God, and pillar of truth, where true believers in Christ have a place and a name, and are pillars that will never go out; but here the place of divine worship seems to be meant, where the Lord granted his presence, and where to dwell the psalmist counted the greatest happiness on earth; he envied the very sparrows and swallows, that built their nests on the altars in it; and reckoned a day in it better than a thousand elsewhere; and to have the privilege of attending all opportunities in it, as long as he lived, is the singular request he here makes: the ends he had in view follow; to behold the beauty of the Lord, or "the delight and pleasantness of the Lord" (g); to see the priests in their robes, and doing their office, as typical of Christ the great High Priest; and the Levites and singers performing their work in melodious strains, prefiguring the churches in Gospel times, singing to the Lord with grace in their hearts, and the four and twenty elders, and one hundred and forty four thousand, with the Lamb on Mount Zion, singing the song of redeeming love; and all the tribes and people of Israel, assembled together to worship God, representing the church of Christ as a perfection of beauty, having the beauty of the Lord upon her, and made perfectly comely through his comeliness; as it is a most delightful sight to see a company of saints attending Gospel worship, meeting together to sing, and pray, and hear the word, and wait upon the Lord in all his appointments; to see them walking in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, and according to the order of it; this is next to the desirable sight of the bride, the Lamb's wife, in the New Jerusalem state, having the glory of God upon her: moreover, it was a pleasant sight to a believer in those times to behold the sacrifices of slain beasts, which were figures of the better sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world; to which may be added other things that were to be seen by priests; as the ark of the Lord, which had the two tables in it, typical of Christ, the fulfilling end of the law for righteousness; and the table of shewbread, which pointed out Christ the bread of life, and his perpetual intercession for his people; and the golden candlestick, a type of the church, holding forth the word of life to others; with many other things, which, with an eye of faith, the saints of those times could look upon with delight and pleasure: also the presence of the Lord may be intended by his beauty, than which nothing is more desirable to the people of God, even to behold his smiling countenance, to see his face, and enjoy his favour, and to have fellowship with him, and with one another; and particularly the beauty and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ may be designed, represented by the Shechinah, or glory, which filled both the tabernacle and the temple; who being the brightness of his Father's glory, and fairer than the children of men, and altogether lovely and full of grace, is a very desirable object to be beheld by faith; and to inquire in his temple; to seek the face of the Lord, to consult him in matters of difficulty and moment; to search after the knowledge of divine things, and to ask for blessings of grace, for which he will be inquired of by his people, to bestow them on them. (g) "amaemotate, Jehovae", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus; so Ainsworth; "suavitatem Jehovae", Cocceius, Michaelis.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:4-6 Searching for and enjoying the Lord’s presence provides the psalmist’s foundation for confidence and security. He lives in the assurance of God’s protection and looks forward to offering sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise (see 18:6).
Psalms 27:4
The LORD Is My Salvation
3Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. 4One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. 5For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love: A Personal Journey
By Francis Chan6.4K1:06:11Walking in LovePrayerPSA 27:4ISA 58:9JER 29:12MAT 7:7MRK 11:24JHN 15:7PHP 1:281TI 6:15JAS 5:161PE 3:7Francis Chan emphasizes the transformative power of prayer as a means of walking in love, sharing his personal journey of experiencing God's love through answered prayers. He recounts various instances where God responded to his heartfelt cries, illustrating how prayer deepens one's relationship with God and fosters a sense of awe and gratitude. Chan encourages believers to prioritize their connection with God over mere ministry activities, highlighting that true strength comes from abiding in Him. He challenges the audience to reflect on their prayer lives and to seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, which ultimately leads to a fearless and fruitful life.
Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love - a Personal Journey
By Francis Chan6.2K1:05:25PSA 27:4ISA 58:6JAS 1:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the presence of God, seeking His beauty, and abiding in Him as the ultimate source of strength and peace. It highlights the need to prioritize prayer and intimacy with God over performance, expectations, and pressures from others. The speaker shares personal experiences of answered prayers, moments of deep connection with God, and the power of walking in love through prayer.
Seeking the Face of God
By David Wilkerson5.6K52:03PSA 27:4PSA 27:7MAT 11:28GAL 1:8PHP 2:10In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience not to be afraid because they know how it's going to end. He references the book of Revelation, where it is revealed that Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, will come on a white horse to rule with a rod of iron. He will defeat false prophets and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The preacher urges the audience to praise and worship Jesus, the true Redeemer who came to save them from their sins. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of seeking the face of God and invites those who feel drawn by the Holy Spirit to come forward for prayer.
(Hebrews - Part 25): The Holy of Holies
By A.W. Tozer5.3K32:10ExpositionalGEN 1:1EXO 25:22PSA 19:1PSA 27:4HEB 4:16HEB 10:19HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker expresses his commitment to preaching about God and the Holy Trinity. He emphasizes that God reveals Himself through nature and the scriptures, using various names to depict His majesty and glory. The speaker also shares his admiration for the love and joy experienced by parents when they have a baby, highlighting the beauty of this relationship. He concludes by mentioning his recent trip to Mexico City, where he was invited to speak about the deeper life and the presence of God.
Charlotte Seminar 5-25-00 Pm
By George Warnock3.7K50:06SeminarPSA 27:4PSA 55:22ISA 30:26ISA 58:12JHN 17:4JHN 17:6ROM 8:26In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God spreading a table and inviting people to partake in a feast. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's burden and not trying to get rid of it. The speaker also mentions how the manifestation of resurrection and life in the earth may not necessarily lead to repentance, as seen in the story of Jesus raising a man from the dead. The sermon concludes by highlighting Jesus' finished work on the cross and his subsequent ruling and reigning from the heavenly throne.
Abandonment
By Hans R. Waldvogel3.2K30:21AbandonmentPSA 27:4MAT 6:33MAT 11:28JHN 14:1HEB 12:61PE 1:7REV 3:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking Jesus and surrendering oneself to Him. He criticizes those who seek attention and exhibit themselves during worship, stating that true worship is about seeking Jesus and being transformed by His power. The preacher shares a testimony of a woman who experienced a powerful encounter with Jesus during a meeting and was compelled to invite others to experience His presence. He also highlights the need for obedience and abandonment to Jesus, stating that only when we fully give ourselves to Him will we see the manifestation of His presence in our lives. The sermon concludes with a call to awaken to the call of Jesus and give ourselves fully to Him.
The Knowledge of God
By Art Katz3.0K1:51:05Knowledge Of GodEXO 20:12NUM 6:24DEU 10:12PSA 27:4PRO 3:5ISA 40:31MAL 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bringing the message of God's word to a divided and violent world. He questions whether the revelation of God at Mount Sinai and the laws and covenants given to the Israelites are still relevant and real for believers today. The speaker mentions the Orthodox Passover Seder and the four sons, highlighting the foolish and wicked sons who disregard their ancestors' experiences and fail to see the significance of their own deliverance. The sermon also touches on God's jealousy and references another book on God as a mystery.
The Battle for Life (2 of 2)
By Art Katz2.3K1:02:24Life Of GodJOB 13:15PSA 27:41CO 2:12CO 4:5GAL 6:14PHP 3:10HEB 10:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preaching the word of God with authenticity and power. He emphasizes that preaching is not about charisma or personal character, but about delivering the message of God. The preacher shares his own experience of initially being hesitant to listen to a sermon due to the speaker's accent and poor grammar, but being compelled by the life and power in the message. He highlights the significance of the veil being torn in the holiest place, allowing believers to boldly enter into God's presence. The sermon also touches on the need for a continuous supply of God's word and the importance of preaching with a sense of dread and reverence for the weight of the moment.
Cranbrook 1993 10-3-93 Pm
By George Warnock2.2K1:30:21SeminarPSA 27:4MAT 3:13MAT 6:33MAT 11:11JHN 1:29PHP 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the concept of being a bond slave to God, just as Jesus was. A bond slave listens to the Father's message and does nothing except what the Father says. The speaker highlights the importance of humbling oneself and following God's way, using the example of Jesus humbling himself and coming to earth to reveal the Father as a man. The sermon also discusses the significance of redemption in revealing the fullness of God's heart and the beauty of His love and mercy.
God's Jealousy for His People
By George Warnock2.2K58:14JealousyGod's JealousySeeking God's WillEXO 34:14PSA 27:4ISA 62:6JHN 8:32COL 1:13George Warnock emphasizes God's deep jealousy for His people, urging them to seek the truth that leads to true freedom and deliverance. He explains that while deliverance from sin is essential, it is equally important to understand that God desires to bring His people into a deeper relationship with Him, symbolized by the journey from Egypt to Canaan. Warnock challenges listeners to align their desires with God's, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from knowing and wanting what God wants for their lives. He warns against the distractions and false desires that can lead believers away from God's purpose, encouraging them to seek a genuine relationship with Him.
Gods Order in Christ - Part 9
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K44:43Order In ChristNUM 10:9PSA 27:4ISA 14:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and abiding in the word of God. They highlight the battle between life and death and the need for spiritual togetherness among believers. The speaker discusses the disruption of God's heavenly order by Satan and the importance of humility in restoring that order. They also emphasize the role of the church in representing and depositing the work of Christ. The sermon concludes with a challenge to individuals to consider the practical and challenging nature of being a true representation of the church.
Jacob Generation - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english)
By Gary Wilkerson1.8K1:18:57ConferencePSA 27:4ZEC 4:7MAT 6:33LUK 10:42ROM 10:1PHP 3:8REV 22:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of different aspects of Christian ministry. He first talks about world missions and the desperate need for God in various places around the world. He then emphasizes the significance of discipleship, stating that it is crucial to not only reach out to lost people but also to make disciples. The speaker shares a personal experience of realizing that his focus had shifted away from God and towards his own work and family. He concludes by highlighting the importance of seeking Jesus above all else and aligning our priorities with God's heart.
The Lordship of Christ
By William MacDonald1.5K40:35Lordship Of ChristRUT 1:16PSA 27:4PSA 119:116MAT 6:33LUK 9:57PHP 3:13REV 3:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of making a total commitment to God. He references the story of Ruth from the book of Ruth in the Bible. The preacher highlights the excuses that people often make to delay or avoid following God's call, such as being preoccupied with worldly possessions or personal desires. He emphasizes that seeking the kingdom of God should be the top priority in our lives, even though it doesn't guarantee a life free from problems. The sermon encourages listeners to have the same level of dedication and loyalty to God as Ruth had, declaring "Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay; your people will be my people, and your God my God."
Behold the Beauty of the Lord
By Joshua Daniel1.5K25:59NEH 1:6PSA 27:1PSA 27:4DAN 9:5MAT 16:241CO 1:18GAL 2:20PHP 2:81PE 2:24This sermon delves into the profound words of King David in Psalms 27, emphasizing the singular desire to dwell in the presence of the Lord and behold His beauty. It challenges the audience to seek true beauty found in the enduring sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, contrasting it with the moral decay and fraudulent activities witnessed in society. The call to embrace a crucified life, reflecting the beauty of the Lord through holiness and humility, is central to the message.
A Bridal Relationship - Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.5K10:04EXO 39:42EXO 40:34PSA 27:4PSA 42:1MAT 11:28JHN 4:14PHP 4:7JAS 4:8REV 21:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of following God's commands diligently, as seen in the Old Testament tabernacle where Moses obeyed the Lord's instructions meticulously, resulting in the glory of God filling the tabernacle. It highlights the distinction between religious patterns and the genuine presence of God, urging believers to seek a personal encounter with Jesus rather than mere religious practices. The analogy of being a bride to Jesus is used to illustrate the excitement and longing for intimacy with Him, inviting weary and burdened individuals to find rest and true life in Him.
A Bridal Relationship - Part 3
By Zac Poonen1.5K09:40PSA 27:4PSA 37:4MAT 6:8JHN 4:24JHN 6:27JHN 14:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking a deep connection with God rather than seeking material blessings or temporary things. It highlights the significance of seeking God for who He is, desiring a relationship with Him above all else, and understanding that Jesus came to earth seeking a bride who loves Him for Himself. The message encourages believers to seek God's presence and beauty above all worldly desires.
(John) the Childness of the Critics
By Willie Mullan1.4K57:26CriticismEXO 20:2PSA 27:4JHN 9:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a blind man who was healed by Jesus. The preacher highlights four key themes in the story: the childishness of the critics, the boldness of the beggar, the fearful net of the father, and the loveliness of the Lord. The blind man boldly explains to the Pharisees how Jesus healed him, confidently stating that Jesus put clay on his eyes and now he can see. However, some of the Pharisees reject Jesus because he does not adhere to their religious laws. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus came into the world to fulfill a mission and by rejecting him, the Pharisees are condemning themselves.
Let God Fulfill the Vision
By George Warnock1.4K22:42VisionPSA 27:4PRO 16:9MAT 16:24JHN 14:15PHP 2:92TI 2:21HEB 3:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of laying down one's own vision and allowing God to work it out in His own way and time. He urges the audience to focus on the job that God is after, which is preparing a holy bride for His son. The preacher shares the story of Joseph and how God used him to interpret dreams and ultimately save Egypt and surrounding nations from famine. He highlights the need for individuals to seek God's vision and not try to fulfill their own plans, as God's ways are higher and His timing is perfect.
Ephesians 1 - Pauls Prayer - Part 1
By Gareth Evans1.4K05:06PSA 27:4JER 29:13EPH 1:17EPH 3:16PHP 3:10JAS 4:8This sermon focuses on Paul's prayers for the Ephesians, emphasizing the importance of seeking a deeper knowledge of God and His love. Paul's prayers in Ephesians 1 and 3 highlight the desire for wisdom, revelation, spiritual strength, and a profound understanding of God's love. The speaker encourages the congregation to have a hunger to know God more intimately and to be filled with the fullness of God's love and presence.
The Secret Place of Prayer
By Dwayne Roberts1.3K49:16Secret PlacePSA 27:4MAT 5:16MAT 6:5MAT 7:7JHN 4:23JHN 15:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a young person who overcame their nervousness and boldly proclaimed Jesus as the Son of Man on a college campus. This simple act of faith led to a remarkable chain of events, with thousands of people coming to faith in just a few days. The speaker emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer and spending time with God, highlighting that our prayers have the ability to move eternity. He also encourages the audience to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly distractions like TV and social media. The sermon concludes with a parable about a persistent neighbor, illustrating the importance of persevering in prayer.
Back to Bethel
By John R. Rice1.3K44:59CommunionPSA 27:4PSA 51:12PSA 139:23ISA 55:6MAT 7:7LUK 15:11JHN 3:36In this sermon, the preacher addresses Jacob, a biblical figure, urging him to return to Bethel. The preacher emphasizes that Jacob has been away for too long and needs to come back to experience the blessings, power, tears, and joy that he once had. The preacher also mentions the challenges Jacob faces in raising his children and the need for him to keep them on the right path. The sermon includes personal anecdotes about the preacher's own experiences with faith and trusting in God's provision.
Burdens & Gifts
By Gareth Evans1.2K39:30GiftsEXO 25:40NUM 4:151SA 16:72KI 4:1PSA 27:4ISA 40:31MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings about a mother bird teaching her baby bird to fly. He uses this story as a parable to illustrate the concept of soaring in life. The speaker then references Isaiah 40, emphasizing that God is the everlasting creator who does not grow weary. He goes on to recount the story of David and the ark of the covenant, highlighting the importance of carrying our own burdens and utilizing the skills and resources we have been given by God. The sermon concludes with the message that each individual has a unique burden and talents, and it is important to use them for God's glory.
(Compilation) Lord Let Me See Your Glory
By Zac Poonen1.1K14:35EXO 33:18PSA 27:4ISA 6:5LUK 10:38JHN 4:23REV 1:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the presence of the Lord, seeking His beauty and glory above all else. It highlights the need for humility, genuine worship, and a deep desire to see God's glory, leading to a transformed life. The speaker challenges listeners to prioritize being a worshiper of God over ministry work, emphasizing the impact of living in God's presence on one's effectiveness in serving Him.
Sing About Heaven!
By Basilea Schlink1.1K04:35Radio ShowPSA 27:4PSA 84:10ISA 65:17MAT 6:33JHN 14:2REV 21:2REV 22:4In this sermon, Basilia Schling discusses the concept of heaven as a real and eternal kingdom built by God. She emphasizes that despite the troubles and suffering in our current world, there is another world, the City of Peace, named Jerusalem, where peace reigns instead of hatred and violence. The sermon encourages listeners to sing about heaven and focus on the joy and glory it brings, as it can help alleviate earthly suffering. Basilia shares her personal experience of finding solace in writing verses about heaven during a time of grief, and highlights the promise of Revelation 21-2 that the New Jerusalem will descend upon the New Earth, with Jesus himself bringing peace.
Names of the Holy Sprit
By Bakht Singh1.0K19:57Holy SpritPSA 27:4PSA 84:10MAT 6:33JHN 14:2HEB 11:101PE 2:11REV 21:3The video is a sermon on the topic of finding a place to live in the Lord. The speaker repeatedly asks the Lord to provide a place where they can live. The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord's guidance and relying on Him for direction in finding a place to live. The sermon encourages listeners to trust in the Lord's provision and to seek His will in all aspects of their lives.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
There is only one thing, that he desires, although he also has besides full satisfaction in Jahve in the midst of strangers and in trouble. The future is used side by side with the perfect in Psa 27:4, in order to express an ardent longing which extends out of the past into the future, and therefore runs through his whole life. The one thing sought is unfolded in שׁבתּי וגו. A life-long dwelling in the house of Jahve, that is to say intimate spiritual intercourse with the God, who has His dwelling (בית), His palace (היכל) in the holy tent, is the one desire of David's heart, in order that he may behold and feast upon (חזה בּ of a clinging, lingering, chained gaze, and consequently a more significant form of expression than חזה with an accusative, Psa 63:3) נעם ה (Psa 90:17), the pleasantness (or gracefulness) of Jahve, i.e., His revelation, full of grace, which is there visible to the eye of the spirit. The interpretation which regards amaenitas as being equivalent to amaenus cultus takes hold of the idea from the wrong side. The assertion that בּקּר בּ is intended as a synonym of חזה בּ, of a pleased and lingering contemplation (Hupf., Hitz.), is contrary to the meaning of the verb, which signifies "to examine (with ל to seek or spie about after anything, Lev 13:36), to reflect on, or consider;" even the post-biblical signification to visit, more especially the sick (whence בּקּוּר הלים), comes from the primary meaning investigare. An appropriate sense may be obtained in the present instance by regarding it as a denominative from בּקשׁ and rendering it as Dunash and Rashi have done, "and to appear early in His temple;" but it is unnecessary to depart from the general usage of the language. Hengstenberg rightly retains the signification "to meditate on." בּהיכלו is a designation of the place consecrated to devotion, and לבקּר is meant to refer to contemplative meditation that loses itself in God who is there manifest. In Psa 27:5 David bases the justification of his desire upon that which the sanctuary of God is to him; the futures affirm what Jahve will provide for him in His sanctuary. It is a refuge in which he may hide himself, where Jahve takes good care of him who takes refuge therein from the storms of trouble that rage outside: there he is far removed from all dangers, he is lifted high above them and his feet are upon rocky ground. The Chethb may be read בּסכּה, as in Psa 31:21 and with Ewald 257, d; but, in this passage, with אהל alternates סך, which takes the place of סכּה in the poetic style (Psa 76:3; Lam 2:6), though it does not do so by itself, but always with a suffix. (Note: Just in like manner they say in poetic style צידהּ, Psa 132:15; פּנּהּ, Pro 7:8; מדּה, Job 11:9; גּלּהּ, Zac 4:2; and perhaps even נצּהּ, Gen 40:10; for צידתהּ, פּנּתהּ, מדּתהּ, גּלּתהּ, and נצּתהּ; as, in general, shorter forms are sometimes found in the inflexion, which do not occur in the corresponding principal form, e.g., צוּרם, Psa 49:15, for צוּרתם; מגוּרם, Psa 55:16, for מגוּרתם; בּערמם, Job 5:13, for בּערמתם; בּתבוּנם, Hos 13:2, for בּתבוּנתם; פּחם; Neh 5:14, for פּחתם; cf. Hitzig on Hos 13:2, and Bttcher's Neue Aehrenlese, No. 693.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The secret of his confidence is his delight in communion with God (Psa 16:11; Psa 23:6), beholding the harmony of His perfections, and seeking His favor in His temple or palace; a term applicable to the tabernacle (compare Psa 5:7). There he is safe (Psa 31:21; Psa 61:5). The figure is changed in the last clause, but the sentiment is the same.
John Gill Bible Commentary
One thing have I desired of the Lord,.... Not to be returned to Saul's court; nor to his own house and family; nor to have an affluence of worldly riches and honours; but to have constant abode it, the house of the Lord; an opportunity of attending continually on the public worship of God; which is excused and neglected by many, and is a weariness to others, but was by the psalmist preferred to everything else; he being now deprived of it, as it seems; that will I seek after; by incessant prayer, until obtained; importunity and perseverance in prayer are the way to succeed, as appears from the parable of the widow and unjust judge; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life: not in heaven, Christ's Father's house, where he dwells, and where the saints, will dwell to all eternity; though to be clothed upon with the house from heaven is very desirable; rather, in the church of the living God, which is the house of God, and pillar of truth, where true believers in Christ have a place and a name, and are pillars that will never go out; but here the place of divine worship seems to be meant, where the Lord granted his presence, and where to dwell the psalmist counted the greatest happiness on earth; he envied the very sparrows and swallows, that built their nests on the altars in it; and reckoned a day in it better than a thousand elsewhere; and to have the privilege of attending all opportunities in it, as long as he lived, is the singular request he here makes: the ends he had in view follow; to behold the beauty of the Lord, or "the delight and pleasantness of the Lord" (g); to see the priests in their robes, and doing their office, as typical of Christ the great High Priest; and the Levites and singers performing their work in melodious strains, prefiguring the churches in Gospel times, singing to the Lord with grace in their hearts, and the four and twenty elders, and one hundred and forty four thousand, with the Lamb on Mount Zion, singing the song of redeeming love; and all the tribes and people of Israel, assembled together to worship God, representing the church of Christ as a perfection of beauty, having the beauty of the Lord upon her, and made perfectly comely through his comeliness; as it is a most delightful sight to see a company of saints attending Gospel worship, meeting together to sing, and pray, and hear the word, and wait upon the Lord in all his appointments; to see them walking in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, and according to the order of it; this is next to the desirable sight of the bride, the Lamb's wife, in the New Jerusalem state, having the glory of God upon her: moreover, it was a pleasant sight to a believer in those times to behold the sacrifices of slain beasts, which were figures of the better sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world; to which may be added other things that were to be seen by priests; as the ark of the Lord, which had the two tables in it, typical of Christ, the fulfilling end of the law for righteousness; and the table of shewbread, which pointed out Christ the bread of life, and his perpetual intercession for his people; and the golden candlestick, a type of the church, holding forth the word of life to others; with many other things, which, with an eye of faith, the saints of those times could look upon with delight and pleasure: also the presence of the Lord may be intended by his beauty, than which nothing is more desirable to the people of God, even to behold his smiling countenance, to see his face, and enjoy his favour, and to have fellowship with him, and with one another; and particularly the beauty and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ may be designed, represented by the Shechinah, or glory, which filled both the tabernacle and the temple; who being the brightness of his Father's glory, and fairer than the children of men, and altogether lovely and full of grace, is a very desirable object to be beheld by faith; and to inquire in his temple; to seek the face of the Lord, to consult him in matters of difficulty and moment; to search after the knowledge of divine things, and to ask for blessings of grace, for which he will be inquired of by his people, to bestow them on them. (g) "amaemotate, Jehovae", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus; so Ainsworth; "suavitatem Jehovae", Cocceius, Michaelis.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:4-6 Searching for and enjoying the Lord’s presence provides the psalmist’s foundation for confidence and security. He lives in the assurance of God’s protection and looks forward to offering sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise (see 18:6).