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Written By: God through Inspiration
Penned By: David, Asaph, Solomon, Heman, Ethan, Moses, and the Sons of Korah
Date Penned: (1440-586 BC)
Overview: Poetry for the Expression of Praise and Worship to God (c 1-150)
Theme: The First Book of Psalms (c 1-41)
Message: David Expounds on God offering Help & Hope (v 1-14)
Psalms 27 Commentary
(27:1) Overcoming Fear - Fear is a dark shadow that envelops us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. Everyone has been a prisoner of fear at one time or another--fear of rejection, misunderstanding, uncertainty, sickness, or even death. But we can conquer fear by trusting in the Lord, who brings salvation. If we want to dispel the darkness of fear, let us remember with the psalm writer that the Lord is our light and our salvation.
(27:4) The House of the Lord - By the "house of the LORD" and "his temple," David could be referring to the tabernacle in Gibeon, to the sanctuary he had built to house the ark of the covenant, or to the temple that his son Solomon was to build. David probably had the temple in mind because he made many of the plans for it (1 Chronicles 22). David may also have used the word temple to refer to the presence of the Lord. David's greatest desire was to live in God's presence each day of his life. Sadly, this is not the greatest desire of many who claim to be believers. What do you most desire? Do you look forward to being in the presence of the Lord?
(27:7). David seeks God - We often run to God when we experience difficulties. But David sought God's guiding presence every day. When troubles came his way, he was already in God's presence and prepared to handle any test. Believers can call to God for help at any time, but how shortsighted it is to call on God only when troubles come. Many of our problems could be avoided or handled far more easily by seeking God's help and direction beforehand.
(27:10) Being Forsaken - Many have had the sad experience of being forsaken by their father or mother. This can happen because of broken homes, differences of belief, addictions to drugs or alcohol, or other factors, even if our experience is mainly one of psychological isolation. This abandonment often leaves children with emotional scars, and the pain may linger long into adulthood. However, God can take the place in our lives of anyone who has abandoned us, fill the void they left, and heal the hurt they caused. He can direct us to those who may take the role of father or mother for us. His love is sufficient to meet all our needs.
(27:13) The Land of the Living - The "land of the living" simply means "this life" or "the time while I am still alive." David was obviously going through a trial, but he was confident that in this present life God would see him through it.
(27:14) Waiting on the Lord - David knew from experience what it meant to wait on the Lord. He had been anointed king at age 16, but he didn't become king until he was 30. During the interim years, he had been chased through the wilderness by jealous King Saul. David had to wait on God for the fulfillment of his promise that David would reign. Later, after becoming king, he was chased by his rebellious son, Absalom. Waiting on God is not easy. Often he doesn't seem to be answering our prayers or understanding the urgency of our situations. That kind of thinking implies that God is not in control or is not fair. But God is worth waiting for. Lamentations 3:24-26 calls us to hope in and wait for the Lord; God often uses times of waiting to refresh, renew, and teach us. Make good use of your waiting times by discovering what God may be trying to do in you while you are in them.
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