Chapter commentary
Psalms Chapter 27
1
Ps 27:1-14.
2
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2. eat . . . my flesh--
(Job 19:22; Ps 14:4).
The allusion to wild beasts illustrates their rapacity.
they stumbled--"they" is emphatic; not I, but they were destroyed.
3
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3. In the greatest dangers.
in this--that is, then, in such extremity.
4
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4, 5. The secret of his confidence is his delight in communion with God
(Ps 16:11; 23:6),
beholding the harmony of His perfections, and seeking His favor in His temple or palace; a term applicable to the tabernacle (compare
Ps 5:7).
There he is safe
(Ps 31:21; 61:5).
The figure is changed in the last clause, but the sentiment is the same.
6
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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.
7
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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.
8
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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
(Ps 105:4).
9
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9. Hide not, &c.--
(Ps 4:6; 22:24).
Against rejection he pleads former mercy and love.
10
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10. In the extremity of earthly destitution
(Ps 31:11; 38:11),
God provides (compare
Mt 25:35).
11
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11. thy way--of providence.
a plain path--
(Ps 26:12).
enemies--literally, "watchers for my fall"
(Ps 5:8).
12
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12. will--literally, "soul," "desire"
(Ps 35:25).
enemies--literally, "oppressors." Falsehood aids cruelty against him.
breathe out--as being filled with it
(Ac 9:1).
13
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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
(Ps 22:17).
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14. Wait, &c.--in confident expectation. The last clause is, literally, "and wait," &c., as if expecting new measures of help.
Ps 27:1-14.
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.
1. light--is a common figure for comfort.
strength--or, "stronghold"--affording security against all violence. The interrogations give greater vividness to the negation implied.