Psalm 27:4 ESV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 27:1-6

We may observe here, I. With what a lively faith David triumphs in God, glories in his holy name, and in the interest he had in him. 1. The Lord is my light. David's subjects called him the light of Israel, 2 Sam. 21:17. And he was indeed a burning and a shining light: but he owns that he shone, as the moon does, with a borrows light; what light God darted upon him reflected upon them: The Lord is my light. God is a light to his people, to show them the way when they are in doubt, to comfort... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 27:4

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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 27:4

One thing have I desired - If I am grown too old, and from that circumstance unable to serve my country, I shall then prefer a retirement to the tabernacle, there to serve God the rest of my days. There I shall behold his glory, and there I may inquire and get important answers respecting Israel. But though these words may be thus interpreted, on the above supposition, that David penned the Psalm on the occasion of his escape from the Philistine, and the desire expressed by his subjects... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 27:4

Verse 4 4.One thing have I desired. Some consider this as a prophecy of the perpetuity of David’s kingdom, on which not only his own personal happiness depended, but also the happiness of his whole people; as if he had said, I am so well contented with this singular proof of God’s favor, that I can think on nothing else night and day. In my opinion, however, it appears a simpler interpretation to view the words as meaning, that although David was banished from his country, despoiled of his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 27:1-6

Fearless, courage. I. THE SECRET OF A FEARLESS COURAGE . 1 . His experience of what God had been to Aim. "Light" in the darkest periods of his life. Light is a revealing power—for guidance. Salvation from his greatest dangers, temporal and spiritual "Strength," the power that had upheld his life when falling into weakness and despair. Experience confirmed and rewarded the faith which he had in God. When experience coincides with our faith, then we are at our strongest.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 27:1-13

True religion. True religion begins with God. It is a call on his part; it is a response on ours ( Psalms 27:8 ). With some religion is a chance, as settled by birth. With others it is a custom—something received by tradition from the fathers. With others it is a convenience, the result of education, a matter of prudence and self-interest, something necessary to respectability and comfort in the world. In all such cases there may be the form, but there cannot be the power, of godliness;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 27:1-14

For these reasons the psalm has been supposed to be "composite;" but the question arises—If the two parts, being so entirely unlike, were originally distinct and unconnected, what should have led any arranger or editor to unite them? To this question there seems to be no possible answer; and thus the very diversity of the two parts would seem to show an original union. According to the statement of the title, the psalm was written by David. It has many characteristics of his style, the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 27:4

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after . A most emphatic introduction of the new topic! Amid all my joy and jubilation, there is still one thing which I need, which I entreat Jehovah to grant —that thing I shall continue to seek after until I obtain it, viz. that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. The psalmist is evidently debarred access to the sanctuary; he feels his exclusion from it a terrible privation; he longs to be there—to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 27:4

One thing have I desired of the Lord - One main object; one thing that I have especially desired; one thing which has been the object of my constant wish. This ruling desire of his heart the psalmist has more than once adverted to in the previous psalms (compare Psalms 23:6; Psalms 26:8); and he frequently refers to it in the subsequent psalms.That will I seek after - As the leading object of my life; as the thing which I most earnestly desire.That I may dwell in the house of the Lord - See the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 27:4

Psalms 27:4. One thing have I desired of the Lord It greatly encouraged David’s confidence in God, that he was conscious to himself of an entire affection to him and his ordinances, and that he was in his element when he was in the way of his duty, and in the way of increasing his acquaintance with God. If our hearts can witness for us, that we delight in God above any creature, we may from thence take encouragement to depend upon him; for it is a proof that we are of those whom he protects... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 27:1-6

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 27:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 27:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 27:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 27:1-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 27:1-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 27:1-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 27:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 27:4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 27:4

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