Psa 27 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Ps 27:1-14: Ps 27 This psalm mixes two genres—a psalm of confidence (27:1-6 ) and an individual lament (27:7-14 )—held together by the theme of longing for the Lord’s presence. The psalmist focuses on the Lord; his circumstances are secondary. The strength of the psalmist’s faith is expressed in his openness to the Lord’s instruction, timing, and priorities. Summary for Ps 27:1-3: 27:1-3 The psalmist acknowledges the Lord at the center of his life (27:1 ). Because of God’s presence, he engages his adversaries with confidence. They cannot intimidate him or penetrate his inner security. 27:1 Light expresses the Lord’s goodness (27:13 ; see 4:6 ; 23:6 ; 31:19 ; 38:10 ; 43:3 ; 56:13 ).

Summary for Ps 27:1-14: Ps 27 ^a This psalm mixes two genres—a psalm of confidence (27:1-6 ^b) and an individual lament (27:7-14 ^c)—held together by the theme of longing for the Lord’s presence. The psalmist focuses on the Lord; his circumstances are secondary. The strength of the psalmist’s faith is expressed in his openness to the Lord’s instruction, timing, and priorities.
Summary for Ps 27:1-3: 27:1-3 ^d The psalmist acknowledges the Lord at the center of his life (27:1 ^e). Because of God’s presence, he engages his adversaries with confidence. They cannot intimidate him or penetrate his inner security. 27:1 ^f Light expresses the Lord’s goodness (27:13 ^g; see 4:6 ^h; 23:6 ⁱ; 31:19 ^j; 38:10 ^k; 43:3 ^l; 56:13 ^m).
27:2 ⁿ The psalmist’s enemies seek to devour him by living at his expense (see study note on 14:4).
27:3 ^o remain confident: See 25:2 ^p; 26:1 ^q.
Summary for Ps 27:4-6: 27:4-6 ^r Searching for and enjoying the Lord’s presence provides the psalmist’s foundation for confidence and security. He lives in the assurance of God’s protection and looks forward to offering sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise (see 18:6 ^s).
27:5 ^t sanctuary (or tabernacle): This early shrine was the Israelites’ place of worship before the Temple was constructed.
27:6 ^u hold my head high: A sign of victory.

• The granting of the request of 27:4 ^v prompts sacrifices with shouts of joy.
Summary for Ps 27:7-12: 27:7-12 ^w The psalmist requests the Lord’s mercy, presence, and instruction. God is the psalmist’s greatest good; enemies and other circumstances are peripheral.
Summary for Ps 27:7-8: 27:7-8 ^x Unlike the wicked (10:4 ^y), who only want a temporary advantage (78:34-36 ^z), the godly search for the Lord as a thirsty person searches for water in the desert (63:1 ^aa; 105:4 ^ab; 119:2 ^ac, 10 ^ad; Matt 6:33 ^ae). They act wisely (Ps 34:10 ^af, 14 ^ag) while waiting for the Lord to resolve their crisis (34:4 ^ah; 69:6 ^ai; 77:2 ^aj; 119:58 ^ak).
Summary for Ps 27:13-14: 27:13-14 ^al The psalmist expresses confidence and hope in the Lord’s presence. To live in faith means to wait patiently in recognition of the Lord’s goodness. Such a life is not always pleasant for the godly (42:2-3 ^am; 43:5 ^an), but their future is secure (37:9 ^ao; 130:7 ^ap; see 9:18 ^aq).