←Psalm 27→BSB

In This Chapter 28 terms 1 theme

Key Terms

Salvation (Physical) 6 Fear 4 Trust 4 Believe In 3 To Be Kindly Disposed 2 Way of Life 2 Salvation Save (Help) Salvation (State) Save (Restore) Salvation (Deliverance) Salvation (Rescuer) Save (Rescue) Salvation (Means) Saving (Means) Fear (State) Awe (State) Fear (Terror) Fear (Reverence) Fear (Awe) Fearful Respect Respect (Among People) Slaughtering The Way Way of the Lord (Metaphorical) Way to Live Way of Life

Themes

Wisdom Psalms

The LORD Is My Salvation

Of David.

ⓘ This psalm mixes two genres—a psalm of confidence...

This psalm mixes two genres—a psalm of confidence (27:1–6) and an individual lament (27:7–14)—held together by the theme of longing for the Lord’s presence. The psalmist focuses on the Lord; his circumstances are secondary. The strength of the psalmist’s faith is expressed in his openness to the Lord’s instruction, timing, and priorities.
ⓘ The psalmist acknowledges the Lord at the center...

The psalmist acknowledges the Lord at the center of his life (27:1). Because of God’s presence, he engages his adversaries with confidence. They cannot intimidate him or penetrate his inner security.
1The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?2When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh,my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.3Though an army encamps around me,my heart will not fear;though a war breaks out against me,I will keep my trust.
ⓘ Searching for and enjoying the Lord’s presence provides...

Searching for and enjoying the Lord’s presence provides the psalmist’s foundation for confidence and security. He lives in the assurance of God’s protection and looks forward to offering sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise (see 18:6).
4One thing I have asked of the LORD;this is what I desire:to dwell in the house of the LORDall the days of my life,to gaze on the beauty of the LORDand seek Him in His temple.5For in the day of troubleHe will hide me in His shelter;He will conceal me under the cover of His tent;He will set me high upon a rock.6Then my head will be held highabove my enemies around me.At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy;I will sing and make music to the LORD.
ⓘ The psalmist requests the Lord’s mercy, presence, and...

The psalmist requests the Lord’s mercy, presence, and instruction. God is the psalmist’s greatest good; enemies and other circumstances are peripheral.
ⓘ Unlike the wicked (10:4), who only want a...

Unlike the wicked (10:4), who only want a temporary advantage (78:34–36), the godly search for the Lord as a thirsty person searches for water in the desert (63:1; 105:4; 119:2, 10; Matt 6:33). They act wisely (Ps 34:10, 14) while waiting for the Lord to resolve their crisis (34:4; 69:6; 77:2; 119:58).
7Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call;be merciful and answer me.8My heart said, “Seek His face.”Your face, O LORD, I will seek.9Hide not Your face from me,nor turn away Your servant in anger.You have been my helper;do not leave me or forsake me,O God of my salvation.
10Though my father and mother forsake me,the LORD will receive me.11Teach me Your way, O LORD,and lead me on a level path,because of my oppressors.12Do not hand me over to the will of my foes,for false witnesses rise up against me,breathing out violence.
ⓘ The psalmist expresses confidence and hope in the...

The psalmist expresses confidence and hope in the Lord’s presence. To live in faith means to wait patiently in recognition of the Lord’s goodness. Such a life is not always pleasant for the godly (42:2–3; 43:5), but their future is secure (37:9; 130:7; see 9:18).
13Still I am certain to seethe goodness of the LORDin the land of the living.14Wait patiently for the LORD;be strong and courageous.
Wait patiently for the LORD!