Psalms
Summary
Psalm 27 is a song of fearless confidence, where David declares that "The LORD is my light and my salvation." Even when enemies close in or an army encamps against him, his heart remains unafraid because of his focused desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD and "gaze on the beauty of the LORD." David expresses intimate trust, noting that even if father or mother forsake him, the LORD will take him up. He urges himself and others to "wait on the LORD" with courage, believing that he will indeed "see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."
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?
When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to devour my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident.
One thing I have asked of the LORD, that I will seek after: 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 enquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tent he shall hide me; he shall set me high upon a rock.
And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer in his tent sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice; have mercy also on me and answer me.
When you said, "Seek my face," my heart said to you, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."
Hide not your face from me; put not your servant away in anger; you have been my help. Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Even if my father and my mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up.
Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path because of my enemies.
Do not deliver me over to the will of my enemies, for false witnesses have risen against me, even such as breathe out cruelty.
I would have fainted unless I had believed I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the LORD.