Psalm 105:4
Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.
Seek the LORD
The Hebrew word for "seek" is "דָּרַשׁ" (darash), which implies a diligent pursuit or inquiry. In the context of the Old Testament, seeking the LORD involves a heartfelt desire to know God and align oneself with His will. This pursuit is not passive but active, requiring intentional effort and commitment. Historically, seeking God was central to the life of Israel, as it was through seeking Him that they found guidance, protection, and blessing. In a conservative Christian perspective, this call to seek the LORD is timeless, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, continually striving to grow closer to Him through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience.

and His strength
The term "strength" in Hebrew is "עֹז" (oz), which conveys might, power, and refuge. This phrase emphasizes reliance on God's power rather than human strength. Throughout biblical history, God's strength was evident in His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, His provision in the wilderness, and His victories over enemies. For Christians, this strength is available through the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to overcome challenges and live victoriously. It is a reminder that true strength comes from God, and in our weakness, His power is made perfect.

seek His face always
"Face" in Hebrew is "פָּנִים" (panim), often used metaphorically to represent God's presence and favor. To "seek His face" is to desire an intimate relationship with God, seeking His presence continually. The use of "always" underscores the importance of consistency and perseverance in this pursuit. In the historical context, seeking God's face was associated with worship and prayer, where individuals and the community sought God's guidance and blessing. For Christians, this phrase encourages a life of constant communion with God, where seeking His presence becomes a daily practice, leading to spiritual growth and deeper fellowship with the Creator.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His promises.

2. Psalmist (likely David)
Traditionally attributed to David, this psalm is a call to remember God's deeds and seek His presence.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often called to seek Him and remember His mighty works.

4. Covenant
The binding agreement between God and His people, central to the call to seek Him.

5. Worship in the Tabernacle/Temple
The place where God's presence was sought and His strength was experienced by the Israelites.
Teaching Points
Priority of Seeking God
Seeking God should be a primary focus in our lives, not just in times of trouble but continually.

Dependence on God's Strength
Recognize that true strength comes from God, and we must rely on Him rather than our own abilities.

Intimacy with God
Seeking His face implies a desire for a personal and intimate relationship with God, beyond just seeking His blessings.

Consistency in Seeking
The call to seek God "always" suggests a lifestyle of worship and devotion, not sporadic or occasional efforts.

Remembrance of God's Faithfulness
Reflect on God's past deeds as motivation to seek Him, trusting in His unchanging nature and promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to "seek the LORD and His strength" in your daily life, and how can you practically implement this?

2. How does the concept of seeking God's face differ from seeking His hand (blessings), and why is this distinction important?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's strength in your life. How did seeking Him play a role in that experience?

4. How can the practice of seeking God "always" transform your relationship with Him and your approach to life's challenges?

5. In what ways can you encourage others in your community or church to prioritize seeking God, and what biblical examples can you use to support this encouragement?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 16:11
This verse is almost identical to Psalm 105:4, emphasizing the importance of seeking God continually.

Isaiah 55:6
Encourages seeking the LORD while He may be found, highlighting the urgency and opportunity of seeking God.

Matthew 6:33
Jesus instructs to seek first the kingdom of God, aligning with the priority of seeking God's presence and strength.

Hebrews 11:6
Speaks of God rewarding those who earnestly seek Him, reinforcing the promise of finding strength in seeking God.
Seeking the Lord's FaceR. Tuck Psalm 105:4
Successive Steps HeavenwardS. Conway Psalm 105:4
God in HistoryC. Short Psalm 105:1-6
He Watching Over Israel Slumbers not nor SleepsS. Conway Psalm 105:1-45
Public Recognition of GodW. Needham, B. D.Psalm 105:4-6
The Face of GodW. B. Pope, D. D.Psalm 105:4-6
People
Aaron, Ham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Always, Continually, Evermore, Face, Forever, Hearts, Presence, Search, Seek, Strength
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 105:4

     1255   face of God
     5150   face
     8618   prayerfulness

Psalm 105:1-6

     8624   worship, reasons
     8724   doubt, dealing with

Psalm 105:1-45

     8352   thankfulness

Psalm 105:3-4

     8604   prayer, response to God

Psalm 105:4-5

     1449   signs, purposes

Library
August 14. "Touch not Mine Anointed, and do My Prophets no Harm" (Ps. Cv. 15).
"Touch not Mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm" (Ps. cv. 15). I would rather play with the forked lightning, or take in my hands living wires, with their fiery current, than speak a reckless word against any servant of Christ, or idly repeat the slanderous darts which thousands of Christians are hurling on others, to the hurt of their own souls and bodies. You may often wonder, perhaps, why your sickness is not healed, your spirit filled with the joy of the Holy Ghost, or your life blessed
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

March 17. "He Hath Remembered his Covenant Forever" (Ps. Cv. 8).
"He hath remembered His covenant forever" (Ps. cv. 8). So long as you struggle under law, that is by your own effort, sin shall have dominion over you: but the moment you step from under the shadow of Sinai, throw yourself upon the simple grace of Christ and His free and absolute gift of righteousness, and take Him to be to you what He has pledged Himself to be, your righteousness of thought and feeling, and to keep you in spite of everything, that ever can be against you, in His perfect will and
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

God's Promises Tests
Until the time that his word came, the word of the Lord tried him.' --PSALM cv. 19. I do not think I shall be mistaken if I affirm that these words do not convey any very clear idea to most readers. They were spoken with reference to Joseph, during the period of his imprisonment. For the understanding of them I think we must observe that there is a contrast drawn between two 'words,' 'his' (i.e. Joseph's) and God's. If we lay firm hold of that clue, I think it will lead us into clear daylight,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets
'He reproved kings for their sakes; 15. Saying, Touch not Mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm.'--PSALM cv. 14, 15. The original reference of these words is to the fathers of the Jewish people--the three wandering shepherds, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Psalmist transfers to them the great titles which properly belong to a later period of Jewish history. None of the three were ever in the literal sense of the word 'anointed,' but all the three had what anointing symbolised. None of them were
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Stanza of Deliverance
"He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes."--Psalm 105:37. THIS verse has been making music in my heart for several days, and at times it has even claimed utterance from my tongue. I have caught myself singing a solo, with myself as the only hearer; and this has been the theme, "He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes." I love texts which sing to me, and make me join in their
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

A Letter from Origen to Africanus.
Origen to Africanus, a beloved brother in God the Father, through Jesus Christ, His holy Child, greeting. Your letter, from which I learn what you think of the Susanna in the Book of Daniel, which is used in the Churches, although apparently somewhat short, presents in its few words many problems, each of which demands no common treatment, but such as oversteps the character of a letter, and reaches the limits of a discourse. [3028] And I, when I consider, as best I can, the measure of my intellect,
Origen—Origen's Letters

The King Hath Brought Me into his Store-Chambers; we Will Exult and be Glad in Thee, Remembering Thy Breasts Better than Wine; the Upright Love Thee.
The soul has no sooner manifested her desire to pass by all creatures that it may run to Him, than, to recompense her for a love already somewhat purified, He causes her to enter into his divine store-chambers. This is a greater grace than any she has hitherto received, for it is a transient union in the powers. When the heart of a man displays sufficient fidelity to be willing to dispense with all the gifts of God that it may reach God himself, He takes pleasure in showering upon it a profusion
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

Joseph, the Prime Minister
'And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Exodus
The land of Egypt is a picture of the house of bondage into which all God's covenant people will, sooner or later, be brought on account of their sin. All those whom God means to give an inheritance in Canaan, he will first take down into Egypt. Even Jesus Christ himself went into Egypt before he appeared publicly as a teacher before the world, that in his instance, as well as in that of every Christian, the prophecy might be fulfilled--"Out of Egypt have I called my Son." Every one who enjoys the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

How God Works in the Hearts of Men.
1. Connection of this chapter with the preceding. Augustine's similitude of a good and bad rider. Question answered in respect to the devil. 2. Question answered in respect to God and man. Example from the history of Job. The works of God distinguished from the works of Satan and wicked men. 1. By the design or end of acting. How Satan acts in the reprobate. 2. How God acts in them. 3. Old Objection, that the agency of God in such cases is referable to prescience or permission, not actual operation.
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
Numberless marks does man bear in his soul, that he is fallen and estranged from God; but nothing gives a greater proof thereof, than that backwardness, which every one finds within himself, to the duty of praise and thanksgiving. When God placed the first man in paradise, his soul no doubt was so filled with a sense of the riches of the divine love, that he was continually employing that breath of life, which the Almighty had not long before breathed into him, in blessing and magnifying that all-bountiful,
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

A Challenge and a Shield
"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died."--Romans 8:34. Here are two very wonderful challenges thrown out by the apostle Paul. First, he boldly defies anyone to charge the chosen of God with sin: "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?" and then, even if any charges should be brought against them, he defies all our foes to secure an adverse verdict: "Who is he that condemneth?" This would be a very bold challenge even for a man who had been righteous from his youth up. If
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his Forerunner.
FROM the Temple to Nazareth! It seems indeed most fitting that the Evangelic story should have taken its beginning within the Sanctuary, and at the time of sacrifice. Despite its outward veneration for them, the Temple, its services, and specially its sacrifices, were, by an inward logical necessity, fast becoming a superfluity for Rabbinism. But the new development, passing over the intruded elements, which were, after all, of rationalistic origin, connected its beginning directly with the Old Testament
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Effectual Calling
THE second qualification of the persons to whom this privilege in the text belongs, is, They are the called of God. All things work for good "to them who are called." Though this word called is placed in order after loving of God, yet in nature it goes before it. Love is first named, but not first wrought; we must be called of God, before we can love God. Calling is made (Rom. viii. 30) the middle link of the golden chain of salvation. It is placed between predestination and glorification; and if
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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