Bible Commentaries
Psalms 27

Introduction

PSALM 27

:-. 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.

Verse 1

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.

Verse 2

2. eat . . . my flesh— (Job 19:22; Psalms 14:4). The allusion to wild beasts illustrates their rapacity.

they stumbled—"they" is emphatic; not I, but they were destroyed.

Verse 3

3. In the greatest dangers.

in this—that is, then, in such extremity.

Verse 4

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

Verse 6

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.

Verse 7

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.

Verse 8

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 (Psalms 105:4).

Verse 9

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

Verse 10

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

Verse 11

11. thy way—of providence.

a plain path— ( :-).

enemies—literally, "watchers for my fall" ( :-).

Verse 12

12. will—literally, "soul," "desire" (Psalms 35:25).

enemies—literally, "oppressors." Falsehood aids cruelty against him.

breathe out—as being filled with it (Acts 9:1).

Verse 13

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 (Psalms 22:17).

Verse 14

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