Psalms 27:4

Onething have I desired R.V., One thing have I asked; above all others as the climax of my petitions.

to behold The word implies a wondering and delighted gazing.

the beauty Or, pleasantness; not merely the outward beauty of the sanctuary and its worship, but the gracious kindliness of Jehovah to His guests. Cp. Psalms 16:11; Psalms 90:17; Proverbs 3:17.

to inquire in his temple Investigating His character and dealings with men. For knowledge gained and doubts solved by meditation in the Temple see Psalms 73:17. We may also render, to consider his temple(R.V. marg.); to contemplate it, for the sanctuary and its ordinances were to the devout worshipper symbols of heavenly realities. Cp. Isaiah 6.