Psalm 27 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

27:1

Psalm 27:1-14. 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.

light — is a common figure for comfort.

strength — or, “stronghold” - affording security against all violence. The interrogations give greater vividness to the negation implied.

27:2 my flesh — (Job 19:22; Psalm 14:4). The allusion to wild beasts illustrates their rapacity.

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

27:3

In the greatest dangers.

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

27:4-5

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

27:6

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

27:7

Still pressing need extorts prayer for help.

cry with my voice — denotes earnestness. Other things equal, Christians in earnest pray audibly, even in secret.

27:8

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 (Psalm 105:4).

27:9

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

27:10

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

27:11

thy way — of providence.

a plain path — (Psalm 26:12).

enemies — literally, “watchers for my fall” (Psalm 5:8).

27:12

will — literally, “soul,” “desire” (Psalm 35:25).

enemies — literally, “oppressors.” Falsehood aids cruelty against him.

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

27:13

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,” etc., the contrast of his faith and his danger is expressed.

to see — is to experience (Psalm 22:17).

27:14

Wait, etc. — in confident expectation. The last clause is, literally, “and wait,” etc., as if expecting new measures of help.