Psalm 27 Study Notes

27:1 Light is parallel to salvation, which in this context refers to rescue from danger. Darkness represents danger (23:4), but light dispels darkness, eliminating the immediate threat (18:28). With God’s protection, there is no need to dread regardless of the peril (v. 3; Rm 8:31).

27:2 Devouring flesh is probably related to the imagery of wild animals as seen elsewhere in relation to enemies (see notes at 7:1-2; 14:4).

27:3 Deploys against could be translated “sets up camp around me.”

27:4 To dwell in the house of the Lord may mean continually returning to the sanctuary for worship. It can also be more general in referring to living one’s life in God’s presence. In either case, the point is that there is constant fellowship with the Lord throughout one’s life (see note at 23:6).

27:5 The words conceal and hide mean protection when it is the Lord hiding his people. Often the image is connected with a mother bird hiding her young under her wings (see note at 17:8).

27:6 Lifting one’s head . . . above his enemies is another way of expressing triumph over those who are defeated (3:3).

27:7-9 Face is a key word in these verses, appearing three times. To seek God’s face is to petition the Lord, most often in the context of worship (2Ch 11:16). It involves complete devotion to God in the same sense as turning toward him (Dt 4:29; Ps 24:6).

27:10 This verse could also be translated “Because my father and mother have abandoned me.”

27:11 On the significance of level, see note at 26:12.

27:12 His enemies are trying to find something against him. They are malicious witnesses.

27:13 The land of the living is in contrast to Sheol, the realm of the dead (Ezk 32:27). Being cut off from the land of the living is another way to express being killed (Jr 11:19). The psalmist anticipated receiving the Lord’s blessings (goodness) while he was still alive.

27:14 Waiting for the Lord is an abbreviated way to express waiting for an answer to prayer. Rather than taking matters into their own hands, the people of God should wait patiently for the Lord’s response (37:7; 40:1; Pr 20:22).