Psalm 27:4

Psalm 27:4 —Commentary

1. The Text

Psalm 27:4 (King James Version):
“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.”

2. Context of Psalm 27

Psalm 27[i] is a Psalm of David, marked by confident trust in God in the face of danger, fear, and uncertainty. It moves between bold declarations of faith and earnest petitions for God’s presence and protection.

Key themes include:

• God as light, salvation, and stronghold
  Psalm 27:1 (King James Version):
  “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
• The reality of enemies and adversity
  Psalm 27:2 (King James Version):
  “When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.”
• A longing for God’s presence above all else
  Psalm 27:4 (King James Version):
  “One thing have I desired of the LORD…”
• A plea for God’s guidance and mercy
  Psalm 27:11 (King James Version):
  “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.”

Psalm 27 is therefore both a confession of faith and a prayer for God’s nearness. Verse 4 stands at the centre of the psalm’s theology and emotion.

3. Exegetical Commentary on Psalm 27:4

“One thing have I desired of the LORD” — The Priority of the Heart

David reduces all his desires to one central longing. This is not because other concerns are unimportant, but because this one desire orders and purifies all others. In Christian theology, this reflects the principle that humanity is created for communion with God, and that the heart finds its true rest only in Him.

David’s “one thing” is not escape from trouble, victory over enemies, or earthly success. His deepest desire is God Himself.

This anticipates the teaching of Jesus Christ:

Matthew 6:33 (King James Version):
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

“That will I seek after” — Desire Expressed in Pursuit

David’s desire is not passive. He seeks after it. True spiritual longing leads to disciplined pursuit. In Christian thought, this reflects the doctrine of sanctification: God awakens desire, and the believer responds with Spirit-enabled effort.

“That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life” — The Presence of God

David is not speaking only of the physical tabernacle. He longs for continual fellowship with God. The “house of the LORD” symbolises God’s presence, favour, and covenant fellowship.

This desire is echoed in the New Testament:

John 15:4 (King James Version):
“Abide in me, and I in you.”

David wants to live his whole life in conscious communion with God, not merely visit Him occasionally.

“To behold the beauty of the LORD” — Worship as Delight

The “beauty of the LORD” refers to God’s character, holiness, mercy, and glory. David desires not merely to know about God, but to delight in Him.

This aligns with the Christian emphasis on God’s glory as the ultimate end of human life. Worship is not duty alone; it is joy.

“And to enquire in his temple” — Seeking Wisdom from God

To “enquire” means to seek guidance, instruction, and understanding. David longs to sit under God’s teaching, to be shaped by His Word.

This reflects the Christian conviction that Scripture is the believer’s supreme authority and that spiritual wisdom flows from God’s revelation.

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4. Theological Themes

A. God as the Supreme Good

David’s “one thing” reveals a heart reordered by grace. God is not a means to an end; He is the end.

B. Worship as the Centre of Life

David’s desire to dwell, behold, and enquire shows that worship is not an event but a life posture.

C. The Transforming Power of God’s Presence

David’s confidence in the face of enemies flows from his communion with God. The presence of God is the believer’s refuge and strength.

D. The Already and Not Yet

David experiences God now, yet longs for fuller communion. This anticipates the Christian hope of seeing God face to face.

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5. Application to Modern Christian Living

A. Reordering Our Desires

Modern life is full of competing priorities. Psalm 27:4 calls believers to examine what their “one thing” truly is. The Christian life is not merely avoiding sin but cultivating a heart that treasures God above all.

B. Pursuing God with Intentionality

David “seeks after” the presence of God. Christians today pursue God through Scripture, prayer, gathered worship, and obedience. Spiritual growth does not happen by accident.

C. Finding Stability in God’s Presence

David’s confidence in adversity came from dwelling with God. In a world marked by anxiety, uncertainty, and pressure, believers find stability not in circumstances but in communion with God.

D. Worship as Delight, Not Duty

Psalm 27:4 invites believers to rediscover the joy of worship. The Christian life is not merely about doing the right things but delighting in the right One.

E. Seeking God’s Wisdom

To “enquire in his temple” reminds Christians to seek God’s guidance through Scripture. In a culture of noise and opinion, God’s Word remains the sure foundation.

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6. Meditation Guide

Use these steps for personal reflection or group meditation.

1. Read Psalm 27 slowly

Include the full text of Psalm 27 in the King James Version.

Psalm 27:4 (King James Version):
“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.”

2. Reflect on your “one thing”

What desire shapes your life?
What competes with your desire for God?

3. Consider how you “seek after” God

Are there habits that help or hinder your pursuit of Him?

4. Meditate on the beauty of the LORD

Reflect on God’s character: His holiness, mercy, justice, and love.

5. Ask God for wisdom

Pray for understanding, guidance, and a heart shaped by His Word.

6. Rest in God’s presence

Take time to be still before Him, trusting that He is your light and salvation.

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[i] Psalm 27

King James Version

27 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.