Psalm 27 (World English Bible)
1 Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?
Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers came at me to eat up my flesh,
even my adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army should encamp against me,
my heart won’t fear.
Though war should rise against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I have asked of Yahweh, that I will seek after:
that I may dwell in Yahweh’s house all the days of my life,
to see Yahweh’s beauty,
and to inquire in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble,
he will keep me secretly in his pavilion.
In the secret place of his tabernacle, he will hide me.
He will lift me up on a rock.
6 Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me.
I will offer sacrifices of joy in his tent.
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to Yahweh.
7 Hear, Yahweh, when I cry with my voice.
Have mercy also on me, and answer me.
8 When you said, “Seek my face,”
my heart said to you, “I will seek your face, Yahweh.”
9 Don’t hide your face from me.
Don’t turn your servant away in anger.
You have been my help.
Don’t abandon me,
neither forsake me, God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me,
then Yahweh will take me up.
11 Teach me your way, Yahweh.
Lead me in a straight path, because of my enemies.
12 Don’t deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries,
for false witnesses have risen up against me,
such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living.
14 Wait for Yahweh.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage.
Yes, wait for Yahweh.
Background and Details of Psalm 27
Authorship and Context:
Psalm 27 is attributed to King David. It reflects a deep trust in God amidst danger and adversity. The psalm consists of two distinct sections: the first (verses 1–6) expresses confidence in God’s protection, while the second (verses 7–14) is a heartfelt prayer for deliverance.
Themes in Psalm 27:
- Trust in God’s Protection – David declares that God is his light and salvation, removing all fear (v.1).
- Seeking God’s Presence – The desire to dwell in God’s house and behold His beauty (v.4).
- Divine Deliverance – God hides and lifts David above his enemies (v.5).
- Prayer for Guidance – David asks God to teach him His ways and protect him from false accusers (v.11-12).
- Encouragement to Wait on the Lord – The final verse encourages patience and faith (v.14).
Historical and Cultural Context:
David likely wrote this psalm during a period of distress, possibly when fleeing from King Saul or during Absalom’s rebellion. The imagery of war, enemies, and false witnesses suggests a time of personal and national crisis. The mention of God’s “house” and “temple” indicates his longing for divine fellowship, though the physical temple had not yet been built in David’s lifetime.
Connections to Other Scriptures:
- “Yahweh is my light” (v.1) – This is one of the few times in the Old Testament where God is directly called “light,” foreshadowing John 8:12, where Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.”
- Confidence in God’s goodness (v.13) – Similar to Job 19:25 (“I know that my Redeemer lives”) and Romans 8:28 (“God works all things for good”).
- Waiting on the Lord (v.14) – Echoed in Isaiah 40:31 (“Those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength”).
A Prayer Inspired by Psalm 27
Heavenly Father,
You are my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? You are the stronghold of my life; in You, I find my refuge. When trouble surrounds me and fear threatens my heart, remind me that You are near.
Lord, I long to dwell in Your presence, to see Your beauty and to seek You in Your holy place. Teach me Your ways, lead me on the right path, and deliver me from every enemy. Even when those closest to me fail me, I know that You will never forsake me.
Help me to wait on You with faith and courage. Strengthen my heart, and let me trust in Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Five Questions to Test Your Understanding
- What does David mean when he says, “Yahweh is my light and my salvation”?
- What is the “one thing” that David desires in Psalm 27:4?
- What does David say about his response when God invites him to “seek His face”?
- How does David describe the protection and refuge that God provides?
- What is the final encouragement given in verse 14, and how does it apply to daily life?
Is Psalm 27 Referenced in the New Testament?
Psalm 27 is not directly quoted in the New Testament, but its themes are reflected in several passages:
- John 8:12 – Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world,” aligning with Psalm 27:1.
- Hebrews 13:5-6 – “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear,” echoing David’s confidence in God.
- 2 Corinthians 4:6 – Paul speaks of God’s light shining in our hearts, similar to Psalm 27’s imagery.
- Matthew 7:7-8 – Jesus teaches about seeking God, paralleling David’s desire to seek God’s face (Psalm 27:8).
Though not directly cited, Psalm 27’s message of trust, seeking God, and waiting on Him is foundational to many New Testament teachings.