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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 27, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [{A Psalm} of David.] 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?
Psalms 27:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 When the wicked, {even} mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. {came...: Heb. approached against me}
Psalms 27:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 27:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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 enquire in his temple. {the beauty: or, the delight}
Psalms 27:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 27:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {joy: Heb. shouting}
Psalms 27:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Hear, O LORD, {when} I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
Psalms 27:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 {When thou saidst}, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. {When...: or, My heart said unto thee, Let my face seek thy face, etc}
Psalms 27:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 27:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. {take...: Heb. gather me}
Psalms 27:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. {a plain...: Heb. a way of plainness} {mine...: Heb. those which observe me}
Psalms 27:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 27:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13 {I had fainted}, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Psalms 27:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalms 27:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.