Psalms
Chapter 27
1
Of David 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The LORD is my life's refuge; of whom am I afraid?
2
2 When evildoers come at me to devour my flesh, These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall.
3
Though an army encamp against me, my heart does not fear; Though war be waged against me, even then do I trust.
4
One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the LORD'S house all the days of my life, To gaze on the LORD'S beauty, to visit his temple.
5
For God will hide me in his shelter in time of trouble, Will conceal me in the cover of his tent; and set me high upon a rock.
6
Even now my head is held high above my enemies on every side! I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and chant praise to the LORD.
7
I Hear my voice, LORD, when I call; have mercy on me and answer me.
8
3 "Come," says my heart, "seek God's face"; your face, LORD, do I seek!
9
Do not hide your face from me; do not repel your servant in anger. You are my help; do not cast me off; do not forsake me, God my savior!
10
Even if my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me in.
11
LORD, show me your way; lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
12
Do not abandon me to the will of my foes; malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me.
13
4 But I believe I shall enjoy the LORD'S goodness in the land of the living.
14
Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!
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Footnotes

1 [Psalm 27] Tradition has handed down the two sections of the psalm (Psalm 27:1-6; 7-14) as one psalm, though each part could be understood as complete in itself. Asserting boundless hope that God will bring rescue (Psalm 27:1-3), the psalmist longs for the presence of God in the temple, protection from all enemies (Psalm 27:4-6). In part B there is a clear shift in tone (Psalm 27:7-12); the climax of the poem comes with "I believe" (Psalm 27:13), echoing "I trust" (Psalm 27:3).

2 [2] To devour my flesh: the psalmist's enemies are rapacious beasts (Psalm 7:3; 17:12; 22:14, 17).

3 [8] Seek God's face (literally: "to seek his face"): to commune with God in the temple. The idiom is derived from the practice of journeying to sacred places. Cf Hosea 5:15; 2 Sam 21:1; Psalm 24:6.

4 [13] In the land of the living: or "in the land of life," an epithet of the Jerusalem temple (Psalm 52:7; 116:9; Isaiah 38:11), where the faithful had access to the life-giving presence of God.


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