Allow me to preface this blog by saying Psalm 27:1-3 is one of my favorite verses. I find it rings the most melodic in the King James:
In verse 5 he so says that he is set upon a rock by the hand of God. There are many verses in the Bible that talk about rocks verses sand. One must build one's house on the solid rock, so that the foundation of the house does not sink into the earth. Sand is constantly shifting and moving; whereas a rock is stationary and strong. Both the sand and the rock are symbolic. It has also inspired hymns such "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand" (all other ground is sinking sand).
David was described as a man after God's own heart, and we can see this displayed in his literature. David fervently seeks God in these verses and captures the essence of his worshipful spirit. Even when he is confident in battle, he attributes the victory to the Lord rather than unto himself. In everything he does, he gives credit to the Lord. He recognizes that without Him, he would have nothing, be nothing. He puts aside his emotions and focuses on Yahweh, because he knows that no matter how he feels, God is always on his side. In verse 10, David writes that when we feel even our own family has abandoned us, we can rely on the Lord to take care of us.
At this point in time the idea of God being a light to one's life is somewhat of a new concept, that as a spiritual lantern, God would light a dark path or a dark place that man might see the way forward. The word Salvation here is also prophetic. Not only is He the Savior of David's life from those who would wish to harm him, but also that the lineage of Jesus would come from David, Christ being the Savior of all humanity. 'Whom shall I fear?' and 'Of whom shall I be afraid?' These very strongly resemble New Testament scripture in verses such as Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, whoever can be against us?" and Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" as well as 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind."
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.
As we are well aware from reading the Samuels, David had many enemies. Rather than relying on his own strength, we see that David continually leans on God for strength and courage. One could say that finding Strength and Courage in the Lord might be the resounding theme for this Psalm. We could interpret by verses 4 and 5 that this Psalm was written after the Davidic or Royal Covenant is made (referring to 2 Samuel 7:11-16); however, it also could have been written while he was dwelling with the Philistines while Saul still sought his life. The "false witnesses" line leads one to believe that this may have been the case, because the Philistines did not trust David. He had slain so many of their own in the past that although the king of the Philistines trusted him, the people did not.
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.
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.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, 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.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
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.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
In verse 5 he so says that he is set upon a rock by the hand of God. There are many verses in the Bible that talk about rocks verses sand. One must build one's house on the solid rock, so that the foundation of the house does not sink into the earth. Sand is constantly shifting and moving; whereas a rock is stationary and strong. Both the sand and the rock are symbolic. It has also inspired hymns such "On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand" (all other ground is sinking sand).
David was described as a man after God's own heart, and we can see this displayed in his literature. David fervently seeks God in these verses and captures the essence of his worshipful spirit. Even when he is confident in battle, he attributes the victory to the Lord rather than unto himself. In everything he does, he gives credit to the Lord. He recognizes that without Him, he would have nothing, be nothing. He puts aside his emotions and focuses on Yahweh, because he knows that no matter how he feels, God is always on his side. In verse 10, David writes that when we feel even our own family has abandoned us, we can rely on the Lord to take care of us.
At this point in time the idea of God being a light to one's life is somewhat of a new concept, that as a spiritual lantern, God would light a dark path or a dark place that man might see the way forward. The word Salvation here is also prophetic. Not only is He the Savior of David's life from those who would wish to harm him, but also that the lineage of Jesus would come from David, Christ being the Savior of all humanity. 'Whom shall I fear?' and 'Of whom shall I be afraid?' These very strongly resemble New Testament scripture in verses such as Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, whoever can be against us?" and Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" as well as 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind."
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