Bible Commentaries
Psalms 27

Verse 1

Title. A Psalm. See App-65 .

of David = by David, or relating to the true David.

light. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6 , not Figure of speech Metaphor ; "light" put for Jehovah as the Author of joy.

strength = strength (for protection). Hebrew. 'azaz.

of whom, &c. Compare Romans 8:31 .

Verse 2

enemies = adversaries.

Verse 3

In this = in spite of this. In Psalms 27:1 we have the foundation of his confidence; in Psalms 27:2 , the need of it; and in Psalms 27:3 , the exercise of it.

Verse 4

dwell, &c. Compare Psalms 23:6 .

beauty = pleasantness, delightfulness.

enquire = contemplate with admiration.

temple = palace. Used generally of heaven, but also of the holy place (Greek. naos).

Verse 5

time = day,

hide. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 ; hiding put for protection afforded by it.

pavilion = dwelling.

secret = secret place, where no stranger was admitted.

tabernacle = tent, or habitation. Hebrew. 'ohel. App-40 (3).

rock. Hebrew. zur. See note on Psalms 18:1 , Psalms 18:2 .

Verse 6

offer = sacrifice. Hebrew. zabach.

sacrifices of joy = joyful sacrifices. Genitive of character. See App-17 . i: i.e. with shoutings of joy.

Verse 7

Have mercy = Show favour, or Be gracious.

Verse 8

When, &c.: or, "To thee, my heart, He hath said, 'Seek thou My face'; Thy face, O Jehovah, will I seek".

Verse 9

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .

of. Genitive of Origin. App-17 .

Verse 10

take me up = receive and protect me with His saints.

Verse 11

Teach = Point out, or Direct.

enemies = those that observe me.

Verse 12

will = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

enemies = adversaries.

Verse 13

I had fainted, unless. The Hebrew word has the extraordinary points (see App-31 ) in the MSS. to show that the Massorites regarded it as not having been in the primitive text. Its presence accounts for the insertion (in italics) in the Authorized Version and Revised Version They are not found in some codices, the Septuagint, Syriac, or Vulgate. The verse should read: "I have believed that I shall see the goodness", &c.

In the land of the living. See note on Isaiah 38:11 .

Verse 14

Wait. Figure of speech Apostrophe. App-6 .