Psalm 27

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?

Psalm 27:1 KJV

When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Psalm 27:2 KJV

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Psalm 27:3 KJV

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.

Psalm 27:4 KJV

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.

Psalm 27:5 KJV

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.

Psalm 27:6 KJV

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

Psalm 27:7 KJV

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

Psalm 27:8 KJV

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.

Psalm 27:9 KJV

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

Psalm 27:10 KJV

Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Psalm 27:11 KJV

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

Psalm 27:12 KJV

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Psalm 27:13 KJV

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 27:14 KJV

End of Psalm 27

Continue reading Psalm 28

What is Psalm 27 about?

Psalm 27 is David's song of confidence in the face of fear. It opens, "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" Though an army surrounds him, his heart will not be afraid. His deepest desire is simple: "One thing have I desired of the LORD... that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life" (verse 4). In the second half the mood shifts to urgent prayer, asking God not to hide his face. The psalm ends with a word for anyone waiting: "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart."

What does Psalm 27 mean?

Psalm 27:1

David opens Psalm 27 with a declaration of confidence. He calls the LORD three things. "My light" means God shows the way and drives away the darkness of fear and confusion. "My salvation" means God rescues and delivers. "The strength of my life," or stronghold, means God is the fortress that protects him. Each statement is followed by a question: "whom shall I fear?... of whom shall I be afraid?" The questions expect the answer "no one." David faced real enemies, and the psalm admits them, but his courage came from knowing who stood with him. The verse is a strong answer to fear in any form.

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