Psalms 27:4

“One [thing] have I desired of the Lord, etc.] 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…”

“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.”

“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 notes at Psalms 23:6. All the days of my life - Constantly; to the end. Though engaged in other things, and though there were other objects of interest in the world, yet he felt that it would be…”

“Dwell. &c. - Have opportunity of constant attendance upon God. To behold - That there I may delight myself, in the contemplation of thy amiable and glorious majesty, and of thy infinite wisdom, holiness, justice, truth, and mercy. Psalms 27:5”

“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).”

“One: Psa 26:8; Luk 10:42; Phi 3:13 seek: Psa 27:8; Jer 29:13; Dan 9:3; Mat 6:33, Mat 7:7, Mat 7:8; Luk 11:9, Luk 11:10, Luk 13:24, Luk 18:1; Heb 11:6 dwell: Psa 23:6, Psa 26:6, Psa 65:4, Psa 84:4, Psa 84:10; Sa1 1:11; Luk 2:37; Ti1 5:5 behold: Psa 50:2, Psa 63:2, Psa 90:17; Zac 9:9; Co2 3:18, Co2 4:6 beauty: or, delight, Psa 63:2-5 inquire: Sa1 22:10, Sa1 30:8; Sa2 21:1; Ch1 10:13, Ch1 10:14 Psalms 27:5”

“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…”