For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand (Ps.
84:10).
Unlike the greater part of mankind, who desire to live
without knowing why, wishing simply that their life may be prolonged, David
here testifies, not only that the end which he proposed to himself in living
was to serve God, but that in addition to this, he set a higher value on one
day which he could spend in the divine service, than upon a long time passed
among the men of the world, from whose society true religion is banished. It
being lawful for none but the priests to enter into the inner and innermost
courts of the temple, David expressly declares, that provided he were permitted
to have a place at the porch, he would be contented with this humble station
[of doorkeeper].
The value which he set upon the sanctuary is presented in a
very striking light by the comparison, that he would prefer having a place
at the very doors of the temple, to his having full possession of the tents of
wickedness, the plain import of which is, that he would rather be cast into
a common and unhonoured place, provided he were among the people of God, than
exalted to the highest rank of honor among unbelievers. A rare example of
godliness indeed! Many are to be found who desire to occupy a place in the
Church, but such is the sway which ambition has over the minds of men, that
very few are content to continue among the number of the common and
undistinguished class.
Almost all are carried away with the frantic desire of
rising to distinction, and can never think of being at ease until they have
attained to some station of eminence. (Commentaries)
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