The 27th psalm reveals the true attitude and exercise of the worshipping soul. Praise and prayer follow each other in their true order. First the offering of praise due to the consciousness of The LORD. Enthusiastic confidence is the keynote of the first six verses of this Psalm. Under The LORD’s guardianship the Psalmist knows no fear in the midst of dangers (v. 1~3). His highest desire is to enjoy The LORD's fellowship and protection as a guest in His house. The Singer anticipates a speedy triumph over his foes, and promises grateful thanksgiving (v. 6).
The pouring out of the heart’s need to the One worshipped. Suddenly all is changed: the jubilant tone is abandoned; anxious supplication takes the place of joyous faith. Earnestly the Psalmist pleads that The LORD will not forsake His servant, and appeals to God's promises and His past mercies (v. 7-12). Yet in this crisis The LORD is his only stay, and the Psalmist concludes by encouraging himself to faith and patience (v. 13~14).
The conception of God revealed in the first half makes possible the abandon of the petitions in the second half. The God Who is light, and salvation and strength, Who hides in His pavilion, and lifts the soul on to the rock is the very One Whose face a man, forsaken of father and mother, pursued by adversaries, and slandered by enemies, will most easily appeal to. This is the meaning of the injunction of the final verse.
When hosanna languish on our tongues it is because we do not begin with The LORD. To see Him first in the hour of communion, and to praise Him, is to be able, without reserve, to pour out all the story of our sorrow in His ear, and to know that when the soul beseeches Him not to cast off, it may affirm in confidence, "then the LORD will take me up."
A Psalm of David. 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?
Psalms 27:2
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Psalms 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.
Psalms 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 enquire in his temple.
Psalms 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.
Psalms 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.
Psalms 27:7
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
Psalms 27:8
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Psalms 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.
Psalms 27:10
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
Psalms 27:11
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Psalms 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.
Psalms 27:13
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psalms 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
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