1.
The 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?
Title. A Psalm. See App-65 .
of David = by David, or relating to the true David.
light. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6 , not Figure of speech Metaphor ; "light" put for Jehovah as the Author of joy.
strength = strength (for protection). Hebrew. 'azaz.
of whom, &c. Compare Romans 8:31 .
2.
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
enemies = adversaries.
3.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
In this = in spite of this. In Psalms 27:1 we have the foundation of his confidence; in Psalms 27:2 , the need of it; and in Psalms 27:3 , the exercise of it.
4.
One 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 inquire in his temple.
dwell, &c. Compare Psalms 23:6 .
beauty = pleasantness, delightfulness.
enquire = contemplate with admiration.
temple = palace. Used generally of heaven, but also of the holy place (Greek. naos).
5.
For 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.
time = day,
hide. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 ; hiding put for protection afforded by it.
pavilion = dwelling.
secret = secret place, where no stranger was admitted.
tabernacle = tent, or habitation. Hebrew. 'ohel. App-40 (3).
rock. Hebrew. zur. See note on Psalms 18:1 , Psalms 18:2 .
6.
And 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.
offer = sacrifice. Hebrew. zabach.
sacrifices of joy = joyful sacrifices. Genitive of character. See App-17 . i: i.e. with shoutings of joy.
7.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
Have mercy = Show favour, or Be gracious.
8.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
When, &c.: or, "To thee, my heart, He hath said, 'Seek thou My face'; Thy face, O Jehovah, will I seek".
9.
Hide 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.
God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4 .
of. Genitive of Origin. App-17 .
10.
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
take me up = receive and protect me with His saints.
11.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Teach = Point out, or Direct.
enemies = those that observe me.
12.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
will = soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .
enemies = adversaries.
13.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
I had fainted, unless. The Hebrew word has the extraordinary points (see App-31 ) in the MSS. to show that the Massorites regarded it as not having been in the primitive text. Its presence accounts for the insertion (in italics) in the Authorized Version and Revised Version They are not found in some codices, the Septuagint, Syriac, or Vulgate. The verse should read: "I have believed that I shall see the goodness", &c.
In the land of the living. See note on Isaiah 38:11 .
14.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Wait. Figure of speech Apostrophe. App-6 .