Psalm 27/fulltext

Authorship

This Psalm was authored by David.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. The psalmist’s praise in dark times. (1-3)

A. The Lord is his light and his salvation; whom shall he fear?

B. The Lord is the strength of his life; of whom shall he be afraid?

C. When the wicked came to eat up his flesh, they stumbled and fell.

D. Though a host should encamp against him, his heart will not fear.

E. Though war should rise against him, he is confident in God.

II. The psalmist’s priority in dark times. (4)

A. Dwelling in the Lord’s house all the days of his life.

B. To behold His beauty.

C. To inquire in His temple.

III. The psalmist’s protection in dark times. (5 )

A. He will be hidden in God’s pavilion.

B. He will be hidden in the secret of His tabernacle.

C. He will be set upon a rock.

D. His head will be lifted up above the enemy.

IV. The psalmist’s promise in dark times. (6-8)

A. He will offer sacrifices of joy.

B. He will sing praises to the Lord.

C. He will cry out to God.

D. He will seek God.

V. The psalmist’s petition in dark times. (9-13)

A. Don’t hide Your face from me.

B. Don’t be angry with me.

C. Don’t leave or forsake me.

D. Teach me Your way.

E. Lead me in a plain path.

F. Don’t deliver me to the will of the enemy.

1. They are false witnesses.

2. They are cruel.

G. Show me Your goodness in the land of the living so I will not faint in dark times.

VI. The psalmist’s proclamation in dark times. (14)

A. Wait on the Lord.

(Saul’s failure to wait cost him the crown!)

B. Be of good courage.

C. He will strengthen you.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 27,8 בַּקְּשׁוּ {B} MT, T // err-voc: G, α', σ', ς'ε', Hebr, S clav בִּקְּשׁוּ