Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown (1871). Conservative evangelical (Church of Scotland and Anglican); concise and critical.
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. (Psa 27:1-14)
light — is a common figure for comfort.
strength — or, "stronghold" — affording security against all violence. The interrogations give greater vividness to the negation implied.
The secret of his confidence is his delight in communion with God (Psa 16:11; Psa 23:6), beholding the harmony of His perfections, and seeking His favor in His temple or palace; a term applicable to the tabernacle (compare Psa 5:7). There he is safe (Psa 31:21; Psa 61:5). The figure is changed in the last clause, but the sentiment is the same.
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 (Psa 105:4).
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," &c., the contrast of his faith and his danger is expressed.
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Psalms 27
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown (1871). Conservative evangelical (Church of Scotland and Anglican); concise and critical.
Introduction to chapter 27
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. (Psa 27:1-14)
light — is a common figure for comfort.
strength — or, "stronghold" — affording security against all violence. The interrogations give greater vividness to the negation implied.
Psalms 27:2
eat . . . my flesh — (Job 19:22; Psa 14:4). The allusion to wild beasts illustrates their rapacity.
they stumbled — "they" is emphatic; not I, but they were destroyed.
Psalms 27:3
In the greatest dangers.
in this — that is, then, in such extremity.
Psalms 27:4
The secret of his confidence is his delight in communion with God (Psa 16:11; Psa 23:6), beholding the harmony of His perfections, and seeking His favor in His temple or palace; a term applicable to the tabernacle (compare Psa 5:7). There he is safe (Psa 31:21; Psa 61:5). The figure is changed in the last clause, but the sentiment is the same.
Psalms 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.
Psalms 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.
Psalms 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 (Psa 105:4).
Psalms 27:9
Hide not, &c. — (Psa 4:6; Psa 22:24). Against rejection he pleads former mercy and love.
Psalms 27:10
In the extremity of earthly destitution (Psa 31:11; Psa 38:11), God provides (compare Mat 25:35).
Psalms 27:11
thy way — of providence.
a plain path — (Psa 26:12).
enemies — literally, "watchers for my fall" (Psa 5:8).
Psalms 27:12
will — literally, "soul," "desire" (Psa 35:25).
enemies — literally, "oppressors." Falsehood aids cruelty against him.
breathe out — as being filled with it (Act 9:1).
Psalms 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," &c., the contrast of his faith and his danger is expressed.
to see — is to experience (Psa 22:17).
Psalms 27:14
Wait, &c. — in confident expectation. The last clause is, literally, "and wait," &c., as if expecting new measures of help.
Public domain text from the HelloAO Free Use Bible API. Bible references link to the King James text.