Psalm 27
1Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? 2When evildoers came at me to eat up my flesh, even my adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell. 3Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, even then I will be confident. 4One thing I have asked of Yahweh, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in Yahweh’s house all the days of my life, to see Yahweh’s beauty, and to inquire in his temple. 5For in the day of trouble, he will keep me secretly in his pavilion. In the secret place of his tabernacle, he will hide me. He will lift me up on a rock. 6Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me. I will offer sacrifices of joy in his tent. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to Yahweh. 7Hear, Yahweh, when I cry with my voice. Have mercy also on me, and answer me. 8When you said, “Seek my face,” my heart said to you, “I will seek your face, Yahweh.” 9Don’t hide your face from me. Don’t put your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Don’t abandon me, neither forsake me, God of my salvation. 10When my father and my mother forsake me, then Yahweh will take me up. 11Teach me your way, Yahweh. Lead me in a straight path, because of my enemies. 12Don’t deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, such as breathe out cruelty. 13I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living. 14Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh.
Introduction
Psalms 27
Some think David penned this psalm before his coming to the throne, when he was in the midst of his troubles, and perhaps upon occasion of the death of his parents; but the Jews think he penned it when he was old, upon occasion of the wonderful deliverance he had from the sword of the giant, when Abishai succoured him (Sa2 21:16, Sa2 21:17) and his people thereupon resolved he should never venture his life again in battle, lest he should quench the light of Israel. Perhaps it was not penned upon any particular occasion; but it is very expressive of the pious and devout affections with which gracious souls are carried out towards God at all times, especially in times of trouble. Here is, I. The courage and holy bravery of his faith (Psa 27:1-3). II. The complacency he took in communion with God and the benefit he experienced by it (Psa 27:4-6). III. His desire towards God, and his favour and grace (Psa 27:7-9, Psa 27:11, Psa 27:12). IV. His expectations from God, and the encouragement he gives to others to hope in him (Psa 27:10, Psa 27:13, Psa 27:14). And let our hearts be thus affected in singing this psalm.
A psalm of David.
Cross-references: 2Sam 21:16 · 2Sam 21:17 · Ps 27:1 · Ps 27:4 · Ps 27:7 · Ps 27:11 · Ps 27:12 · Ps 27:10 · Ps 27:13 · Ps 27:14