Psalms 105:4

Authorized King James Version

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Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

Original Language Analysis

דִּרְשׁ֣וּ Seek H1875
דִּרְשׁ֣וּ Seek
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 1 of 6
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
יְהוָ֣ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְעֻזּ֑וֹ and his strength H5797
וְעֻזּ֑וֹ and his strength
Strong's: H5797
Word #: 3 of 6
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
בַּקְּשׁ֖וּ seek H1245
בַּקְּשׁ֖וּ seek
Strong's: H1245
Word #: 4 of 6
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
פָנָ֣יו his face H6440
פָנָ֣יו his face
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 5 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
תָּמִֽיד׃ evermore H8548
תָּמִֽיד׃ evermore
Strong's: H8548
Word #: 6 of 6
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

Analysis & Commentary

Seeking the LORD and His strength, and seeking His face continually demonstrates persistent pursuit of God's presence and power. 'Strength' (oz) refers to God's might. 'Face' (panim) represents His favorable presence. 'Continually' (tamid) means perpetual, unceasing seeking. This isn't occasional religious duty but constant orientation toward God. Christ taught persistent prayer (Luke 18:1) and promised His presence with disciples always (Matt 28:20). The Reformed practice of daily devotion and Sabbath worship reflects this call to continual seeking.

Historical Context

In Israel's worship, seeking God's face meant approaching His presence in the tabernacle/temple. This verse spiritualizes that practice, calling for constant pursuit of God's presence, not just occasional visits.

Questions for Reflection