Psalm 27

David’s Declarations

Psalm 27

Introduction:

As I read through this Psalm I saw David making four declarations

1.      A declaration of his faith

2.      A declaration of his desire

3.      A declaration of his cry

4.      A declaration of his challenge to others

I.                   A declaration of his faith vv. 1-3

1.      Statements of David’s faith

1)      The Lord is my light and salvation v. 1

Light:  What might this mean?

      Idea is in Isaiah 60:1, 20

Light in the darkest periods of his life

Light has the idea of guidance

Salvation: See Psalm 18:2 and 62:2, 6

2)      The Lord is the strength of my life v. 1

Literally the Lord is my stronghold

What I hang on to when nothing else remains

Psalm 28:8

3)      Though an army may encamp against me v. 3

Has idea of being surrounded by the enemy

David knew this feeling well

Couldn’t help think of our study in Elisha when he was surrounded by enemy army.

Idea is surrounded with no where to go and no way of escape!!

4)      Though war may rise

This has to be one of most uncertain times for a nation and people, especially the King!!

2.      Results of David’s faith

1)      Whom shall I fear v. 1

Pulpit Commentary:

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Who can be to be feared? (see Psalm 118:6). Not man certainly; for” what can man do unto us?” Not other gods; for they are nonentities. Not devils; for they can do nothing but by God’s permission.

2)      Of whom shall I be afraid

3)      I will not fear v. 3

4)      I will be confident v. 3

3.      Basis of David’s faith v. 2

The other verses are “what if” verses, marked by “though”

This verse is an experience verse “when.”

David’s faith is based on his experience of God’s faithfulness

Our faith should not be based on experience as much as God’s promises (Word), yet our experience should regularly bear out God’s faithfulness to His Word.

II.                 A declaration of David’s desire vv. 4-6

1.      David’s one desire v. 4  this desire has three parts

1)      I may dwell in the house of the Lord all my life

David’s greatest desire is to dwell in the house of the Lord

God is his salvation and light

David longs to spend time in God’s presence

Couldn’t help but think of David’s desire to build temple

2)      To behold the beauty of the Lord

David just desires God’s presence

Not to get from, but to be with

      Makes me think of Adam and Eve in the Garden.

3)      To inquire in His temple

To seek His light and guidance

2.      David’s continued confidence vv. 5-6

In times of trouble God will:

1)      Hide me in His pavilion

God will give His protection from the enemy

Think of hiding under a pavilion to escape the storms

2)      Set me high upon a rock

               The rock here is God Himself

               David is set on a foundation that cannot be moved/shaken

3)      Lift me above my enemies v. 6

3.      David’s response v. 6

1)      Offer sacrifices of joy

               Make a joyful sound probably with instruments

Sing praises to the Lord 62:2, 6). Whom shall I fear? “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

(<450831>Romans 8:31). Who can be to be feared? (see <19B806>Psalm 118:6). Not

man certainly; for” what can man do unto us?” Not other gods; for they are

nonentities. Not devils; for they can do nothing but by God’s permission.

2)       

III.              A declaration of David’s cry vv. 7-13

1.      Hear me v. 7

2.      Have mercy and answer me v. 7

3.      Remain faithful vv. 8-10

      When others fail:  Mother and father least likely

4.      Teach me v. 11 and lead me

5.      Do not deliver me v. 12

                        v. 13 is another declaration of confidence

IV.              A declaration of David’s challenge to others v. 14

1.      Wait on the Lord

2.      Be of good courage