David
Psalm 27
A Psalm of David.
Scripture (KJV)
1The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
7Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
11Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12Give me not up unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
Summary
Psalm 27 moves from bold confidence to tender dependence and back to courage. David begins with a triumphant declaration: the Lord is his light, salvation, and strength, so fear is banished even before an encamped army. Yet the one thing he truly desires is not safety itself but the presence of God—to dwell in the Lord’s house, behold His beauty, and inquire in His temple. This single longing reframes all earthly danger. In trouble, God hides him in His pavilion and lifts his head above his enemies, turning fear into sacrifice of joy and singing.
The second half shifts to prayer: David cries for mercy, seeks God’s face, and pleads not to be forsaken—even if father and mother abandon him, the Lord will take him up. He closes with the discipline of waiting: "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart." The major themes are courage, trust, seeking God’s presence, and patient waiting. Practically, the psalm teaches that fear is conquered not by denying danger but by desiring God above all else. The great lesson is that the one who seeks God’s face finds strength to wait.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 27
Lord, You are my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? You are the strength of my life. When enemies press in, make me confident in You. One thing I desire: to dwell in Your house, to behold Your beauty, and to inquire in Your temple. Hide me in Your pavilion in the day of trouble and set me on the rock of Your faithfulness. When You say, "Seek My face," let my heart answer, "Your face, Lord, I will seek." If father and mother forsake me, You will take me up. Teach me Your way and lead me in a plain path. Keep me from fainting by the sure hope of Your goodness in the land of the living. Strengthen my heart as I wait on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What is the "one thing" I most desire from the Lord?
- 2Which fear needs to be met by the truth that God is my light?
- 3How can I practice waiting on the Lord this week?
- 4When have I experienced God taking me up when others let me down?
Related Psalms
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
The beloved shepherd psalm: provision, guidance, comfort, and eternal dwelling.
Read morePsalm 31
“In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.”
Trust in God amid distress and betrayal, committing the spirit to Him.
Read morePsalm 91
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
God our refuge and fortress; under His wings we find protection and deliverance.
Read morePsalm 62
“Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.”
Rest in God alone, my rock and refuge; pour out your heart to Him.
Read morePsalm 121
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”
Psalm 121 is one of the "Songs of Ascents" sung by pilgrims journeying up to Jerusalem.
Read moreRelated Articles
Why Psalm 23 Brings Comfort
Six verses have carried believers through every kind of loss. What makes Psalm 23 such a deep well of comfort?
Read Psalm StudiesUnderstanding Psalm 91
A close look at the psalm of protection—its promises, its conditions, and how Jesus Himself used it.
Read Old TestamentDavid: The Shepherd King
How a shepherd boy became Israel’s greatest psalmist, and what his life teaches us about worship and weakness.
ReadSupport BookofPsalms.org
If you find BookofPsalms.org helpful and would like to support the website, you may make a voluntary contribution through PayPal. Your support helps pay for the operation, hosting, maintenance, development, content, security, and continued improvement of BookofPsalms.org.
Independent Website & Contribution Disclosure
BookofPsalms.org is an independently operated, privately owned website. BookofPsalms.org is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or operated by any church, denomination, ministry, religious organization, charity, or nonprofit organization.
All funds contributed through BookofPsalms.org are received by the privately owned company that operates the website. Funds may be used by the company to support website hosting, maintenance, development, content creation, administration, advertising, technology, and other business and operating expenses.
Contributions are voluntary and are NOT tax-deductible charitable donations. BookofPsalms.org does not represent contributions as charitable donations or contributions to a nonprofit, church, ministry, or tax-exempt religious organization.
Receive weekly Psalms and prayers
A gentle Psalm, an original prayer, and a short reflection—delivered once a week.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.