One
thing I have asked of Yahweh, that I will seek after, that I may dwell in Yahweh’s house all the days of my life, to see Yahweh’s beauty, and to inquire in his temple.
Psalm 27:4
Psalm 26 [10.] in whose hands is wickedness,
their right hand is full of bribes.
But as for me, I will walk in my integrity.
Redeem me, and be merciful to me.
My foot stands in an even place.
In the congregations I will bless Yahweh.
Psalm 27 [1.] Yahweh is my light and my salvation.
Whom shall I fear?
Yahweh is the strength of my life.
Of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers came at me to eat up my flesh,
even my adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
Though an army should encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear.
Though war should rise against me,
even then I will be confident.
One thing I have asked of Yahweh, that I will seek after,
that I may dwell in Yahweh’s house all the days of my life,
to see Yahweh’s beauty,
and to inquire in his temple.
For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion.
In the covert of his tabernacle he will hide me.
He will lift me up on a rock.
Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me.
I will offer sacrifices of joy in his tent.
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to Yahweh.
Hear, Yahweh, when I cry with my voice.
Have mercy also on me, and answer me.
When you said, “Seek my face,”
my heart said to you, “I will seek your face, Yahweh.”
Don’t hide your face from me.
Don’t put your servant away in anger.
You have been my help.
Don’t abandon me,
neither forsake me, God of my salvation.
Psalm 27 [10.] When my father and my mother forsake me,
then Yahweh will take me up.
Teach me your way, Yahweh.
Lead me in a straight path, because of my enemies.
Don’t deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries,
for false witnesses have risen up against me,
such as breathe out cruelty.
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living.
Wait for Yahweh.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage.
Yes, wait for Yahweh.
Meaning:
Psalm 27 is a psalm of David. It begins with bold confidence, “Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1), even when enemies and armies surround him. At the centre of the first half stands this verse, which reveals the deepest desire of David’s heart.
- “One thing I have asked of Yahweh”
David was a king with many responsibilities and many dangers, yet he reduces his prayer to one thing. His single focus is not victory, wealth or safety, but God himself. Paul showed the same single-mindedness: “but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before” (Philippians 3:13).
- “that I may dwell in Yahweh’s house all the days of my life”
David was not a priest and the temple had not yet been built; the house of Yahweh was the tabernacle. He longed for constant nearness to God, the closeness the priests enjoyed. He ends Psalm 23 the same way: “Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever” (Psalm 23:6). Another psalmist said, “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand” (Psalm 84:10).
- “to see Yahweh’s beauty”
David wanted to enjoy God for who he is, his goodness, holiness and kindness. Worship is not only asking for help; it is delighting in God.
- “and to inquire in his temple”
To inquire means to seek God’s guidance and to reflect on him. David brought his questions and decisions before God. Later in the psalm he responds to God’s invitation: “When you said, ‘Seek my face,’ my heart said to you, ‘I will seek your face, Yahweh.’” (Psalm 27:8).
The Significance of Psalm 27:4
- The one thing needed
In Bethany Martha was busy serving while her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet. Jesus said, “but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). Mary chose what David longed for: time in the presence of the Lord.
- Confidence that comes from closeness
David’s courage in the face of enemies grew from his desire for God. Those who seek God’s presence find that fear loses its grip.
Cross-References:
Luke 10:42: “but one thing is needed.” Mary at Jesus’ feet.
Psalm 23:6: “and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.” David’s lifelong hope.
Psalm 84:10: “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand.” The joy of God’s house.
Philippians 3:13: “but one thing I do.” Paul’s single aim.
Conclusion: In Psalm 27:4 David reduces all his prayers to one desire: to live in God’s presence, to enjoy his beauty and to seek his guidance. Mary showed the same choice at the feet of Jesus, the “good part” that cannot be taken away.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible