Psalm Twenty Seven

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

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A Psalm of David.

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

my light and my salvation. Both salvation from sin and light for daily living are to be found in the Lord Jesus Christ, and only in Him (Acts 4:12; John 14:6, 8:12).

Psalm 27:2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

eat up my flesh. This does not suggest the practice of cannibalism by God's enemies, of course, but does graphically depict the vicious tactics to which they will descend as they try to destroy the testimony of His people.

Psalm 27:3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Psalm 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

enquire in his temple. This is not the usual word for “inquire.” The connotation here seems to mean “do research” or “make thorough inquiry,” the purpose being to learn more and more about God and His purposes.

Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

Psalm 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Psalm 27:7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

Psalm 27:8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

Psalm 27:9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

When. It is legitimate, and no doubt preferable, to understand “when” in this verse in the sense of “if.”

Psalm 27:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

plain path. The word “plain” refers to a smooth plain as against rugged topography. Enemies could more easily lurk in hills or valleys, but could be seen easily on a plain.

Psalm 27:12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

Psalm 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.