Psalms 27 The Lord Is My Light

With a general strain of confidence, hope, and joy, especially in God's worship, in the midst of dangers, the psalmist introduces prayer for divine help and guidance

1

light — is a common figure for comfort. strength — or, "stronghold" — affording security against all violence. The interrogations give greater vividness to the negation implied.

2

eat... my flesh — (Job 19:22; Ps 14:4). The allusion to wild beasts illustrates their rapacity. they stumbled — "they" is emphatic; not I, but they were destroyed.

3

In the greatest dangers. in this — that is, then, in such extremity.

4,5

The secret of his confidence is his delight in communion with God (Ps 16:11; 23:6), beholding the harmony of His perfections, and seeking His favor in His temple or palace; a term applicable to the tabernacle (compare Ps 5:7). There he is safe (Ps 31:21; 61:5). The figure is changed in the last clause, but the sentiment is the same.

6

head be lifted up — I shall be placed beyond the reach of my enemies. Hence he avows his purpose of rendering joyful thank offerings.

7

Still pressing need extorts prayer for help. cry with my voice — denotes earnestness. Other things equal, Christians in earnest pray audibly, even in secret.

8

The meaning is clear, though the construction in a literal translation is obscure. The English Version supplies the implied clause. To seek God's face is to seek His favor (Ps 105:4).

9

Hide not, &c. — (Ps 4:6; 22:24). Against rejection he pleads former mercy and love.

10

In the extremity of earthly destitution (Ps 31:11; 38:11), God provides (compare Mt 25:35).

11

thy way — of providence. a plain path — (Ps 26:12). enemies — literally, "watchers for my fall" (Ps 5:8).

12

will — literally, "soul," "desire" (Ps 35:25). enemies — literally, "oppressors." Falsehood aids cruelty against him. breathe out — as being filled with it (Ac 9:1).

13

The strong emotion is indicated by the incomplete sentence, for which the English Version supplies a proper clause; or, omitting that, and rendering, "yet I believed," &c., the contrast of his faith and his danger is expressed. to see — is to experience (Ps 22:17).

14

Wait, &c. — in confident expectation. The last clause is, literally, "and wait," &c., as if expecting new measures of help.