> [[psalm-26|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-28|Next →]] --- # Psalm 27 ## Trust in God 1 Of David. ^psalm-27-1 ### A #### I The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? 2 When evildoers come at me ^psalm-27-2 to devour my flesh, These my enemies and foes themselves stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, ^psalm-27-3 my heart does not fear; Though war be waged against me, even then do I trust. #### II 4 One thing I ask of the LORD; ^psalm-27-4 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 ^psalm-27-5 in time of trouble, He will conceal me in the cover of his tent; and set me high upon a rock. 6 Even now my head is held high ^psalm-27-6 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. ### B #### I 7 Hear my voice, LORD, when I call; ^psalm-27-7 have mercy on me and answer me. 8 “Come,” says my heart, “seek his face”; ^psalm-27-8 your face, LORD, do I seek! 9 Do not hide your face from me; ^psalm-27-9 do not repel your servant in anger. You are my salvation; do not cast me off; do not forsake me, God my savior! 10 Even if my father and mother forsake me, ^psalm-27-10 the LORD will take me in. #### II 11 LORD, show me your way; ^psalm-27-11 lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Do not abandon me to the desire of my foes; ^psalm-27-12 malicious and lying witnesses have risen against me. 13 I believe I shall see the LORD’s goodness ^psalm-27-13 in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD, take courage; ^psalm-27-14 be stouthearted, wait for the LORD! \* (Psalm 27) Tradition has handed down the two sections of the Psalm (([[psalm-27|Ps 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|Ps 27]]:1] – [3]), the psalmist longs for the presence of God in the Temple, protection from all enemies (([[psalm-27|Ps 27]]:4] – [6]). In part B there is a clear shift in tone (([[psalm-27|Ps 27]]:7] – [12]); the climax of the poem comes with “I believe” (([[psalm-27|Ps 27]]:13]), echoing “I trust” (([[psalm-27|Ps 27]]:3]). \* (27:2) To devour my flesh: the psalmist’s enemies are rapacious beasts (([[psalm-07|Ps 7]]:3]; [17:12]; [22:14], [17]). \* (27:8) Seek his face: to commune with God in the Temple. The idiom is derived from the practice of journeying to sacred places, cf. [Hos 5:15]; [2 Sm 21:1]; ([[psalm-24|Ps 24]]:6]. \* (27:13) In the land of the living: or “in the land of life,” an epithet of the Jerusalem Temple ([Ps 52:7]; [116:9]; [Is 38:11]), where the faithful had access to the life-giving presence of God. a. (27:1) ([[psalm-18|Ps 18]]:29]; [36:10]; [43:3]; [[isaiah-10|Is 10]]:17; [Mi 7:8]. b. (27:2) ([[psalm-14|Ps 14]]:4]. c. (27:4) ([[psalm-23|Ps 23]]:6]; [61:5]. d. (27:5) [Ps 31:21]. e. (27:8) ([[psalm-24|Ps 24]]:6]; [Hos 5:15]. f. (27:10) [Is 49:15]. g. (27:11) ([[psalm-25|Ps 25]]:4]; [86:11]. h. (27:13) [Ps 116:9]; [Is 38:11]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-26|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-28|Next →]]