Psalm 27 With Commentary

Psalm 27

Of David.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
   whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
   of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked advance against me
   to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
   who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
   my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
   even then I will be confident.

4 One thing I ask from the Lord,
   this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
   all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
   and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
   he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
   and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
   above the enemies who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
   I will sing and make music to the Lord.

7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord;
   be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
   Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me,
   do not turn your servant away in anger;
   you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
   God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
   the Lord will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, Lord;
   lead me in a straight path
   because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
   for false witnesses rise up against me,
   spouting malicious accusations.

13 I remain confident of this:
   I will see the goodness of the Lord
   in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
   be strong and take heart
   and wait for the Lord.

Commentary

This Psalm is attributed to David. Just as the dawn brings brightness after the darkness of the night, in the same way, this Psalm teaches us that God performs the exact role of removing darkness from our lives.

The psalmist educates us that the wicked cannot stand those protected by God and will always stumble before them.

The psalmist is sure that in his time of difficulty, God will hide him in his dwelling. The psalmist exalts God and prays that God never forsakes him.

The psalmist urges God to teach him his way (his wisdom, righteousness, grace, etc.). This Psalm encourages others to be pure, have faith in God, and seek the strength of their heart in challenging times because God never hesitates in helping the innocent.

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Jamie Larson
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