Bible Commentaries
Psalms 27

Verse 2

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

Light — My counsellor in all my difficulties, and my comforter and deliverer in all my distresses.

Strength — The supporter and preserver of my life.

Verse 3

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

In this — That God is my light.

Verse 4

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.

Dwell. … — Have opportunity of constant attendance upon God.

To behold — That there I may delight myself, in the contemplation of thy amiable and glorious majesty, and of thy infinite wisdom, holiness, justice, truth, and mercy.

Verse 5

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.

The secret — In his tabernacle, into which mine enemies cannot come. He alludes to the ancient custom of offenders, who used to flee to the tabernacle or altar.

Rock — A place high and inaccessible.

Verse 9

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.

Away — From thy face or presence, or from the place of thy worship.

Verse 11

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

Because of — That I may neither fall into their hands by my folly, nor give them any occasion of triumphing over me.

Verse 13

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

The living — David was thus earnestly desirous of this mercy in this life, not because he placed his portion in these things; but because the truth and glory of God, were highly concerned in making good the promise of the kingdom to him.