Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 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 that he should go no more out to war; yet it appears that they more naturally belong to the captivity, and that this verse especially shows the earnest longing of the captives to return to their own land, that they might enjoy the benefit of Divine worship.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - The Lord, who is the believer's light, is the strength of his life; no only by whom, but in whom he lives and moves. In God let us strengthe ourselves. The gracious presence of God, his power, his promise, his readiness to hear prayer, the witness of his Spirit in the hearts of his people; these are the secret of his tabernacle, and in these the saints find cause for that holy security and peace of mind in whic they dwell at ease. The psalmist prays for constant communion with God in holy ordinances. All God's children desire to dwell in their Father's house. Not to sojourn there as a wayfaring man, to tarry but for a night; or to dwell there for a time only, as the servant tha abides not in the house for ever; but to dwell there all the days of their life, as children with a father. Do we hope that the praising of God will be the blessedness of our eternity? Surely then we ought to make it the business of our time. This he had at heart more than an thing. Whatever the Christian is as to this life, he considers the favour and service of God as the one thing needful. This he desires prays for and seeks after, and in it he rejoices.
Original Hebrew אחת259 שׁאלתי7592 מאת853 יהוה3068 אותה853 אבקשׁ1245 שׁבתי3427 בבית1004 יהוה3068 כל3605 ימי3117 חיי2416 לחזות2372 בנעם5278 יהוה3068 ולבקר1239 בהיכלו׃1964
