Psalm 27

Dwelling in the House of Yahweh (Ps. 23-30)  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Psalm 27

MY STRONGHOLD

Of David.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—

whom should I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life—

whom should I dread?

2 When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh,

my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell.

3 Though an army deploys against me,

my heart will not be afraid;

though a war breaks out against me,

I will still be confident.

4 I have asked one thing from the LORD;

it is what I desire:

to dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

gazing on the beauty of the LORD

and seeking him in his temple.

5 For he will conceal me in his shelter

in the day of adversity;

he will hide me under the cover of his tent;

he will set me high on a rock.

6 Then my head will be high

above my enemies around me;

I will offer sacrifices in his tent with shouts of joy.

I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7 LORD, hear my voice when I call;

be gracious to me and answer me.

8 My heart says this about you:

“Seek his face.”

LORD, I will seek your face.

9 Do not hide your face from me;

do not turn your servant away in anger.

You have been my helper;

do not leave me or abandon me,

God of my salvation.

10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,

the LORD cares for me.

11 Because of my adversaries,

show me your way, LORD,

and lead me on a level path.

12 Do not give me over to the will of my foes,

for false witnesses rise up against me,

breathing violence.

13 I am certain that I will see the LORD’s goodness

in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;

be strong, and let your heart be courageous.

Wait for the LORD.

PSALM 27

A Psalm of Fearless Trust in God.

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the cdefense of my life;

Whom shall I dread?

2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,

My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

3 Though a host encamp against me,

My heart will not fear;

Though war arise against me,

In spite of this I shall be confident.

4 One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:

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 dmeditate in His temple.

5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;

In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;

He will lift me up on a rock.

6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,

And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice,

And be gracious to me and answer me.

8 When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You,

“Your face, O LORD, I shall seek.”

9 Do not hide Your face from me,

Do not turn Your servant away in anger;

You have been my help;

Do not abandon me nor forsake me,

O God of my salvation!

10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,

But the LORD will take me up.

11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,

And lead me in a level path

Because of my foes.

12 Do not deliver me over to the adesire of my adversaries,

For false witnesses have risen against me,

And such as breathe out violence.

13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD

In the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;

Be strong and let your heart take courage;

Yes, wait for the LORD.

PSALM 27

A Psalm of Fearless Trust in God.

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the cdefense of my life;

Whom shall I dread?

2 When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh,

My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.

3 Though a host encamp against me,

My heart will not fear;

Though war arise against me,

In spite of this I shall be confident.

4 One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:

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 dmeditate in His temple.

5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle;

In the secret place of His tent He will hide me;

He will lift me up on a rock.

6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me,

And I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice,

And be gracious to me and answer me.

8 When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You,

“Your face, O LORD, I shall seek.”

9 Do not hide Your face from me,

Do not turn Your servant away in anger;

You have been my help;

Do not abandon me nor forsake me,

O God of my salvation!

10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me,

But the LORD will take me up.

11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,

And lead me in a level path

Because of my foes.

12 Do not deliver me over to the adesire of my adversaries,

For false witnesses have risen against me,

And such as breathe out violence.

13 I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD

In the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;

Be strong and let your heart take courage;

Yes, wait for the LORD.

PSALM 28

A Prayer for Help, and Praise for Its Answer.

A Psalm of David.

1 To You, O LORD, I call;

My rock, do not be deaf to me,

For if You are silent to me,

I will become like those who go down to the pit.

2 Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help,

When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked

And with those who work iniquity,

Who speak peace with their neighbors,

While evil is in their hearts.

4 Requite them according to their work and according to the evil of their practices;

Requite them according to the deeds of their hands;

Repay them their recompense.

5 Because they do not regard the works of the LORD

Nor the deeds of His hands,

He will tear them down and not build them up.

6 Blessed be the LORD,

Because He has heard the voice of my supplication.

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;

My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;

Therefore my heart exults,

And with my song I shall thank Him.

8 The LORD is their strength,

And He is a bsaving defense to His anointed.

9 Save Your people and bless Your inheritance;

Be their shepherd also, and carry them forever.

PSALM 29

The Voice of the LORD in the Storm.

A Psalm of David.

1 Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty,

Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name;

Worship the LORD in holy array.

3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters;

The God of glory thunders,

The LORD is over cmany waters.

4 The voice of the LORD is powerful,

The voice of the LORD is majestic.

5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;

Yes, the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,

And Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the LORD hews out flames of fire.

8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;

The LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer to calve

And strips the forests bare;

And in His temple everything says, “Glory!”

10 The LORD sat as King at the flood;

Yes, the LORD sits as King forever.

11 The LORD will give strength to His people;

The LORD will bless His people with peace.

PSALM 30

Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Death.

A Psalm; a Song at the Dedication of the House. A Psalm of David.

1 I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up,

And have not let my enemies rejoice over me.

2 O LORD my God,

I cried to You for help, and You healed me.

3 O LORD, You have brought up my soul from Sheol;

You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit.

4 Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones,

And give thanks to His holy dname.

5 For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for a lifetime;

Weeping may last for the night,

But a shout of joy comes in the morning.

6 Now as for me, I said in my prosperity,

“I will never be moved.”

7 O LORD, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong;

You hid Your face, I was dismayed.

8 To You, O LORD, I called,

And to the Lord I made supplication:

9 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit?

Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your faithfulness?

10 “Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me;

O LORD, be my helper.”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;

You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,

12 That my asoul may sing praise to You and not be silent.

O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

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​
A.
MY STRONGHOLD
Of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
whom should I dread?
2 When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh,
my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army deploys against me,
my heart will not be afraid;
though a war breaks out against me,
I will still be confident.
4 I have asked one thing from the Lord;
it is what I desire:
to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
gazing on the beauty of the Lord
and seeking him in his temple.
5 For he will conceal me in his shelter
in the day of adversity;
he will hide me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.
6 Then my head will be high
above my enemies around me;
I will offer sacrifices in his tent with shouts of joy.
I will sing and make music to the Lord.
7 Lord, hear my voice when I call;
be gracious to me and answer me.
8 My heart says this about you:
“Seek his face.”
Lord, I will seek your face.
9 Do not hide your face from me;
do not turn your servant away in anger.
You have been my helper;
do not leave me or abandon me,
God of my salvation.
10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord cares for me.
11 Because of my adversaries,
show me your way, Lord,
and lead me on a level path.
12 Do not give me over to the will of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing violence.
13 I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart be courageous.
Wait for the Lord.
Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
​
Intro:
These last few weeks you may not have noticed an ongoing theme through our studies in the Psalms since March.
A big thing we’re going to see in is something we’ve seen in , , , and something that we will continue to see until we make it to .
It is: “dwelling in the house of the Lord”
The central part of shares the thematic interest in that characterizes the whole group of .
The emphasis on the “house” or “dwelling” of Yahweh is noted where the psalmists hope to find protection and security.
For example, , where David concludes on his Host’s provision, when David speaks of who may stand in the presence of God in , David crying out for the intervention of God in 25:16-21, the expression of love for Yahweh’s dwelling place in 26:8, the psalmist’s earnest seeking to dwell in the house of Yahweh in 27:4–5, the lifting up of one’s hands toward Yahweh’s “holy place” in 28:2, the acknowledgement of all who are in the temple of Yahweh’s glorious kingship in 29:9, and finally the heading linking to the “dedication of the temple.”
This constellation of recurring themes in so many adjacent psalms can hardly be coincidence and must be explored as each psalm is considered.
Read Passage

The psalm also presents an assortment of themes and images that continue to reappear in the following collection of Psalms 24–30. Chief among these is the emphasis on the “house” or “dwelling” of Yahweh, where the psalmists hope to find protection and security. This concern surfaces in the liturgical preparations to enter the temple precincts recorded in Psalm 24, the expression of love for Yahweh’s dwelling place in 26:8, the psalmist’s earnest seeking to dwell in the house of Yahweh in 27:4–5, the lifting up of one’s hands toward Yahweh’s “holy place” in 28:2, the acknowledgement of all who are in the temple of Yahweh’s glorious kingship in 29:9, and finally the heading linking Psalm 30 to the “dedication of the temple.” This constellation of recurring themes in so many adjacent psalms can hardardly be coincidence and must be explored as each psalm is considered.

P1. God, the Basis of One’s Confidence (v. 1-3)
The NIV Application Commentary: Psalms, Volume 1 Confidence in Yahweh (27:1–3)

YAHWEH IS DESCRIBED as the psalmist’s “light,” “salvation,” and “stronghold of … life.”4 In the affirming parallelism of verse 1, the first two phrases (“my light and my salvation”) are paralleled by the expanded phrase “stronghold of my life,” suggesting that these three terms provide nuances to the psalmist’s understanding of Yahweh’s protective role. Yahweh is the illuminating light that vanquishes the “[deep] shadow of death” (23:4) threatening the psalmist. That light marks out the “paths of righteousness” (cf. 23:3; 25:4, 9), along which God leads the faithful. Yahweh is also the life-saving stronghold that delivers the psalmist from the attacks of his enemies. Because of that guidance and protection, he is unafraid (27:1:b, d; cf. 23:4).

The protective presence and care of Yahweh encourages the psalmist to stand confidently firm in the face of enemy attack (27:2–3). His enemies are depicted as ravening beasts seeking to “devour my flesh” (27:2), as an enemy military encampment (27:3a), and as declaring an all-out war (27:3c). In spite of the severity of the attack, the psalmist remains confident and unafraid, certain that the enemy attack will “stumble and fall” (27:2d). The NIV’s translation of boṭeaḥ as “I am confident” rather than the more usual “I am trusting” obscures the connection between this phrase and similar uses of the verb bṭḥ (“trust”) in 25:2 and 26:1. The participial form used here emphasizes the immediate and continuing trust the psalmist is placing in Yahweh.

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A. Yahweh is described as the psalmist’s “light,” “salvation,” and “stronghold of … life.”
Yahweh is described as the psalmist’s “light,” “salvation,” and “stronghold of … life.”4 In the affirming parallelism of verse 1, the first two phrases (“my light and my salvation”) are paralleled by the expanded phrase “stronghold of my life,” suggesting that these three terms provide nuances to the psalmist’s understanding of Yahweh’s protective role. Yahweh is the illuminating light that vanquishes the “[deep] shadow of death” (23:4) threatening the psalmist. That light marks out the “paths of righteousness” (cf. 23:3; 25:4, 9), along which God leads the faithful. Yahweh is also the life-saving stronghold that delivers the psalmist from the attacks of his enemies. Because of that guidance and protection, he is unafraid (27:1:b, d; cf. 23:4).
​
In the affirming parallelism of verse 1, the first two phrases (“my light and my salvation”) are paralleled by the expanded phrase “stronghold of my life,” suggesting that these three terms provide nuances to the psalmist’s understanding of Yahweh’s protective role. Yahweh is the illuminating light that vanquishes the “[deep] shadow of death” (23:4) threatening the psalmist. That light marks out the “paths of righteousness” (cf. 23:3; 25:4, 9), along which God leads the faithful. Yahweh is also the life-saving stronghold that delivers the psalmist from the attacks of his enemies. Because of that guidance and protection, he is unafraid (27:1:b, d; cf. 23:4). The protective presence and care of Yahweh encourages the psalmist to stand confidently firm in the face of enemy attack (27:2–3). His enemies are depicted as ravening beasts seeking to “devour my flesh” (27:2), as an enemy military encampment (27:3a), and as declaring an all-out war (27:3c). In spite of the severity of the attack, the psalmist remains confident and unafraid, certain that the enemy attack will “stumble and fall” (27:2d). The niv’s translation of boṭeaḥ as “I am confident” rather than the more usual “I am trusting” obscures the connection between this phrase and similar uses of the verb bṭḥ (“trust”) in 25:2 and 26:1. The participial form used here emphasizes the immediate and continuing trust the psalmist is placing in Yahweh.
suggesting that these three terms provide nuances to the psalmist’s understanding of Yahweh’s protective role.
The protective presence and care of Yahweh encourages the psalmist to stand confidently firm in the face of enemy attack (27:2–3). His enemies are depicted as ravening beasts seeking to “devour my flesh” (27:2), as an enemy military encampment (27:3a), and as declaring an all-out war (27:3c). In spite of the severity of the attack, the psalmist remains confident and unafraid, certain that the enemy attack will “stumble and fall” (27:2d). The niv’s translation of boṭeaḥ as “I am confident” rather than the more usual “I am trusting” obscures the connection between this phrase and similar uses of the verb bṭḥ (“trust”) in 25:2 and 26:1. The participial form used here emphasizes the immediate and continuing trust the psalmist is placing in Yahweh.
Yahweh is the illuminating light that vanquishes the “[deep] shadow of death” (23:4) threatening the psalmist. That light marks out the “paths of righteousness” (cf. 23:3; 25:4, 9), along which God leads the faithful.
Wilson, G. H. (2002). Psalms (Vol. 1, p. 483). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Yahweh is also the life-saving stronghold that delivers the psalmist from the attacks of his enemies. Because of that guidance and protection, he is unafraid (27:1:b, d; cf. 23:4). The protective presence and care of Yahweh encourages the psalmist to stand confidently firm in the face of enemy attack (27:2–3).
His enemies are depicted as ravening beasts seeking to “devour my flesh” (27:2), as an enemy military encampment (27:3a), and as declaring an all-out war (27:3c). In spite of the severity of the attack, the psalmist remains confident and unafraid, certain that the enemy attack will “stumble and fall” (27:2d).
P2. God, the Goal of One’s Confidence (v. 4-6)
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A. I seek … that I may dwell in the house of the Lord. The psalmist’s deepest desires are to “seek” Yahweh and to “dwell” in his presence forever. The connections with the preceding group of psalms are obvious. Seeking Yahweh’s face (27:4, 8) was the primary characteristic of the generation to be admitted to the holy hill of Yahweh in 24:6.
I seek … that I may dwell in the house of the Lord. The psalmist’s deepest desires are to “seek” Yahweh and to “dwell” in his presence forever. The connections with the preceding group of psalms are obvious. Seeking Yahweh’s face (27:4, 8) was the primary characteristic of the generation to be admitted to the holy hill of Yahweh in 24:6.
A2. The idea of “seeking” Yahweh, to ask of Yahweh and to seek his face can imply divine guidance within the context of worship. To seek God in this way is not a matter of unfocused searching but a sign of commitment to the way of life he demands and provides. To “seek” false gods (as in 4:2) is to commit oneself to them. The faithful generation is made up of those who seek the face of Yahweh and commit themselves to him alone.
The idea of “seeking” Yahweh described here through the two parallel verbs šʾl (“ask”) and bqš (“seek”) may have a more technical and ritual flavor than is immediately apparent. To ask of Yahweh and to seek his face can imply formal, ritual actions of seeking divine guidance within the context of worship.8 To seek God in this way is not a matter of unfocused searching but a sign of commitment to the way of life he demands and provides. To “seek” false gods (as in 4:2) is to commit oneself to them. The faithful generation is made up of those who seek the face of Yahweh and commit themselves to him alone.
B. To gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. The psalmist is almost obsessed with Yahweh and wants always to be in his presence. Ancient monarchs were known on occasion to grant extravagant requests to their subjects. King Xerxes was so taken by Queen Esther that he invited her to ask what she wanted “even up to half the kingdom,” and it would be given to her (, ).
Dwelling in the house of Yahweh is not just an experience of aesthetic delight in the gracious hospitality of God. There is a protective benefit to the nearness of God. As the psalmist puts it, “He will keep me safe … he will hide me11 … in his dwelling … his tabernacle.” Even at the moment of greatest nearness to God there is a continuing awareness of the threat that life in the psalmist’s world offers.
If asked such a question by Yahweh, the king, our psalmist has a ready reply: He wants to “dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” (27:4). The psalmist desires to see firsthand the gracious kindness of Yahweh, the host. Dwelling in the house of Yahweh is not just an experience of aesthetic delight in the gracious hospitality of God. There is a protective benefit to the nearness of God. As the psalmist puts it, “He will keep me safe … he will hide me11 … in his dwelling … his tabernacle.” Even at the moment of greatest nearness to God there is a continuing awareness of the threat that life in the psalmist’s world offers.
C. High upon a rock. Shifting metaphors, the psalmist describes Yahweh’s protection in new terms: “[He will] set me high upon a rock.” God is frequently considered the psalmist’s “rock” and as such provides firm footing and protective covering. Being “set high” on a rock prepares the way for the image of the exaltation of the psalmist’s head above the enemies in 27:6. To be protected by Yahweh in the presence of the enemy (cf. 23:5) is to be exalted by association.
D. Will I sacrifice … I will sing. Protection and exaltation lead to praise. Freed from fear of the enemy by the presence of Yahweh, the psalmist is free to sing praises and to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving to God. (There is always a reaction when one experiences the presence of God)
Read
Wilson, G. H. (2002). Psalms (Vol. 1, pp. 484–485). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
What have you sacrificed to God out of praise?
When have you sung to God out of praise?
P3. God, the Developer of One’s Confidence (v. 7-14)
A. Plea for Deliverance from Enemies (27:7–12)
Plea for Deliverance from Enemies (27:7–12)
First section (v. 1-6) declaration of his confidence, second section, cry for help with conclusion of confidence
Hear my voice. As in most pleas for deliverance, the section begins with the psalmist’s entreaty to be heard (“Hear … O Lord”). This cry underscores the reality of his suffering in spite of a strong confidence in Yahweh’s saving nature. One does not cry out for relief when Yahweh is currently delivering or has already delivered. The rest of the plea is divided into a desire for divine presence in the face of God’s seeming absence (27:8–10), a desire for divine instruction in the right way (27:11), and a desire for divine vindication in the face of “false witnesses” (27:12).
Seek his face. Despite the textual difficulties in this passage, it is clear that the psalmist is here expressing the heartfelt desire to come into the presence of Yahweh. What the heart has communicated as its deepest desire (“Seek his face!”), the psalmist has acted upon (“Your face, Lord, I will [continue to] seek”).
Do not hide your face from me. The psalmist’s search can only succeed if Yahweh continues to allow himself to be known. In 27:5 the psalmist hoped Yahweh would “hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle,” allowing him to live in God’s protective presence. Now, having gained access to the house of Yahweh, he pleads that the divine host will not absent himself.
Do not … forsake me. In two parallel lines the psalmist entreats Yahweh not to turn him away in anger or to reject and abandon him. The prospect of divine abandonment is even more difficult because of his past experience of Yahweh as “my helper” (27:9c) and “my Savior” (27:9e). Despite the continued experience of divine absence, the psalmist is confident this is not proof of abandonment but of Yahweh’s remaining a firm hope—even when parents might fall away (27:10).
Teach me your way. Resuming a theme characteristic of this collection of consecutive psalms (), the psalmist seeks divine instruction (“teach me”) and guidance (“lead me”)19 in the proper “way” (27:11). Here the reason for finding the right path is related to the enemy attack that the psalmist is experiencing. The enemies are described as “my oppressors” (27:11), “foes” who desire the psalmist’s defeat (27:12a), and “false witnesses … breathing out violence” (27:12b–c). This verse makes the original setting of the psalm seem like a case of false accusation in the courts. This gives further definition to the “evil men” of 27:2, who advance like a ravenous horde of locusts to devour the psalmist, and the “enemies” of 27:6 in whose presence he is exalted by the protective presence of Yahweh.
B. Confidence and Encouragement (27:13–14)
I am still confident. In this final section the psalmist returns to the confident stance of verses 1–3. He “believes” or “is convinced” that he will see the “goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”—a clear reference to an expectation to be delivered in this life.
Wait for the Lord. The psalmist’s final word is an encouragement to the reader/listener to take heart from his experience and to wait confidently for God’s deliverance in similar circumstances. Verse 14 is bracketed at the beginning and end with the identical phrase “wait for the Lord” —the repetition making the emphasis plain. In between these repeated encouragements stands an exhortation to a confident attitude among those who wait expectantly.
The two verbs “be strong” (ḥzq) and “take heart” (ʾmṣ) are the same used in Joshua to encourage the Israelites as they cross the Jordan River to take the Promised Land. The resonances with the conclusion of the Exodus wanderings and the anticipation of entering the Promised Land serve again to connect this psalm with the continuing motif of wandering and pilgrimage characteristic of the whole group of .
Wilson, G. H. (2002). Psalms (Vol. 1, pp. 485–488). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan
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