Psalms 27

David relateth that God is his onely comfort and confidence in all dangers: and what an heavy desire he had to be always in Gods house, which made him likewise to pray for it continually; upholding and strengthening himself in the mean time by faith and patient waiting in his wanderings, upon the fulfilling of Gods promises, whereunto he likewise exhorteth others.

1. (A Psalm) of David. The LORD is my light, [i.e. The author and giver of my success, of my comfort, of my joy, and of my preservation. See of such a signification of the word light, Job 18.on verse 5,6. As on the contrary, by darkness there is understood all manner of adversity. See Genesis 15.on verse 12.] and my salvation, of whom should I fear? The LORD is the power of my life, [i.e. he that keepeth and preserveth me alive, through his divine power or strength. Compare above Psa.21.5. and Deut.30.20.] before whom should I be afraid?

2. When the evil (ones) mine adversaries and mine Enemies against me, [This addition, against me, serveth to express the utmost enmity of his Enemies; as on the contrary it hath an other emphasis or importance, when David saith, God is me, or for, or before me, my deliverer, 2 Sam.22.2.] do draw neer unto me [to fight against and overthrow me] for to eat my flesh, [to tear and devour me, like so many savage fierce beasts. Compare Deut.31.on v.17.] they themselves stumbled and fell.

3. Although a camp beleaguered me, my heart should not fear; although a war rose up against me, I rely upon this. Upon that, which he had said above v.1.

4. One thing have I desire of the LORD, [Or one (desire) have I desired. Compare Jud.8.24. 1 Sam.2.20. especially 1 Kings 2:20. It should seem, that David indited this Psalm in his exile and wandering, when as indeed he was encumbered with many difficulties, but by none so heavily pressed and grieved, as that he could not enjoy the pure worship of God, and the divine testimonials of saving grace, together with the people of God, which also made him to represent the same chiefly and continually unto God in his prayers, during that time] that shall I seek, [i.e. pray for and endeavour after it, without ceasing] that I might dwell in the house of the LORD, all the days of my life, for to behold the amiableness of the LORD [the lovely or pleasant worship of God, whereby the Messiahs is represented with all his benefits, and God daily blessed and praised] and to make inquiry [for the Lords blessed will and works of grace, out of his word. Compare 1 Pet.1.v.10,11,12.] in his Temple [or Palace: understand the Tabernacle, or Tent of the Congregation. The Temple properly so called, was not built till afterwards, by Salomon, though David intended to build the same himself, before he understood Gods will by Nathan.

5. For he doth hide me in his hutt [As a shepherd would hide his sheep, so the LORD did me] in the day of evil, [i.e. in the time of adversity and trouble] he hideth me in the hidden (part) of his tent [so as in time of need and danger, one may hide some body in the hidden places or parts of the Tent. Compare Psa.31.21.] he exalteth me upon a rock. [where I may rest secure and safe. See 2 Sam.22.on v.3.]

6. Also my head now shall be exalted above mine Enemies, which are round about me, and I shall offer offerings of resounding in his tent, [viz. These burnt-offerings and thank-offerings, which were to be accompanied with the sounding of the two silver trumpets, according to the Law, Num.10.10.] I shall sing, yea sing Psalms (or Psalm-sing) unto the LORD.

7. Hear, LORD my voice, (when) I call; [Oth. When I call with my voice, &c.] and be gracious to me, and actual help.]

8. My heart saith to thee [Or of thee, in thy behalf, as touching, concerning thee, etc. As if he should say; I do hear thee in my heart, speaking to us; or my heart presents or prompts these thy words unto me, seek ye my face, and now behold, LORD, I do seek it, doing that which thou commandest us; hide not thy face then I pray, &c. As followeth] (thou sayest) seek ye my face: See Psa.24.6. and the annot.] I seek thy face, O LORD.

9. Hide not thy face before me, and turn not away thy servant in anger; thou hast been my help, [viz. Always formerly. Compare above Psa.10.14.] give me not up, and forsake me not, O God of my salvation.

10. For my father and my mother have forsaken me: [His meaning is, that he was in a desolate condition, like a orphan or fatherless child (as he often speaketh elsewhere) destitute of the help of those, that were nearest to him and most obliged thereunto, but either could not, or would or durst not help him. Compare Psa.69.6. Other. Although my Father, and my Mother should forsake me, yet the LORD, &c. We read indeed of his parents and brethren, 1 Sam.22.1,3. That they came unto him in the Cave of Adullam; but that they should have forsaken him, is no where mentioned in the Scripture: unless it might be understood of their not being able to help him, and that he was rather put to it to take care for them, that they might be brought to some place of safety, as we have it related, 1 Sam.22.Or else, it may be they might be dead by this time] but the LORD shall receive me. [Heb. Gather me. See above Psalm 26.on verse 9.]

11. LORD, teach me thy way, and lead me in the right path, [Heb. In a path of rightness, directness, or, evenness. Compare Psalms 26:12.] for my spies sake. [that they may entrap me, those which lurk and watch me, to find out something in my conversation, for which they might traduce me, or likewise that they may not find me bare and unprovided, on a sudden to overtake and surprise me.]

12. Give me not over into the desire [Heb. Soul, which word is taken sometimes for will, desires, pleasure, purpose, See Gen.23.on verse 8. Item Psalms 41:3. and 78.18. Eccles.6 7,9. Jer.15.1. Ezek.16.27.] of mine adversaries: for false Witnesses [one whereof was Doeg, 1 Sam.22.9,10. See also Psalms 35:11.] are risen up against me, together with him that bloweth forth violence. [understand every one of those, or a certain one, that was the principal, Bloweth forth, i.e. that boasteth and puffeth of nothing but force and violence. Compare this kind of speaking with Acts 9:1. and Psa.10.5.]

13. If I had not believed, [This is an imperfect and abrupt speech of the Prophet, proceeding from his calling to mind, or reflecting upon all the fearful dangers & diffilculties, that were come upon him, being such, that he had often been ready to faint, if his faith in Gods promises had not underpropt him, yea, and so strengthened his weakness, that he was able yet to teach others likewise, to wait for the good issue with unwearied patience and confidence; as he doth here expressly in the sequel, and also Psalms 31:24.] that I should see [i.e. cheerfully enjoy, above Psalm 4.9.] the good of the LORD [i.e. Deliverance, together with the promised Kingdom and Gods blessing upon it] in the land of the living: [i.e. be made partake thereof here on earth, and in this life yet. See Job 28.on ver.13. Psal. 52.7. and 116.9. Jerem.11.19.] (I had perished.)

14. Wait on the LORD, be strong, and he shall fortify thy heart: [Because thou art much too weak of thy self to do this, and findeth it often by experience, therefore be of good chear, the LORD shall enable and strengthen thee, or furnish thee with power sufficient to wait for him, with patience and stedfastness. Oth. Thy heart be strengthened, or strengthen it self, or, let thy heart be strong] yea, wait on the LORD.