27:title Of David See note on 3:title.

27:1 Yahweh is my light Represents Yahweh’s guiding presence (43:3). See note on 18:28; Job 29:2–4.

is the refuge of The word ma’oz used here describes high walls or a rocky fortress. It emphasizes the stable protection God provides for those who call on him.

27:2 eat my flesh The psalmist portrays his enemies as wild animals who devour and oppress him (Ps 14:4; Prov 30:14).

27:3 encamp against A siege in ancient Near Eastern warfare involved blocking off any route in or out of a city, often resulting in famine (2 Kgs 6:25–30).

27:4 the house of Yahweh The psalmist wants to dwell in the temple, Yahweh’s dwelling place. He is essentially saying he wants to remain in Yahweh’s presence, as a place of joy (Psa 16:11; 21:6).

consider The Hebrew word used here, baqar, means “to examine” or “to scrutinize.” Here it may describe a prayerful search for Yahweh’s will or a meditative reflection.

27:5 the day of trouble In Psa 20, the “day of trouble” relates to a military campaign (see note on 20:1). The reference to a siege (v. 3) indicates it probably has the same connotation here.

a rock The Hebrew word used here, tsur, refers to a secure, elevated location (see note on 18:1–3).

27:6 my head will be high A lifted head signaled confidence and pride.

shouts of joy Probably describes a shout of victory. The Hebrew word used here, teru'ah, often appears in military contexts (2 Chr 13:12).

27:7 Hear, O Yahweh After proclaiming confidence in Yahweh, the psalmist petitions Him for help. The psalmist’s confidence serves as the basis for his petition and expectation that Yahweh will respond (see Ps 25:2 and note).

answer me A common exclamation in lament psalms. See note on 4:1.

27:8 Your face, O Yahweh The psalmist responds to Yahweh’s invitation by stating he seeks Yahweh’s face, His presence. See note on v. 4.

27:10 my father or my mother This could be an allusion to the Davidic covenant, where Yahweh promises to be a father to the royal Davidic line. He promises to establish the Davidic line in an eternal way (2 Sam 7:14–16). See Psa 2:7 and note; 18:50 and note.

27:12 false witnesses Implies the psalmist may be accused of wrongdoing (see note on Exod 20:16). However, the reference could be symbolic if this psalm was used in preparation for battle (see Psa 27:3; note on vv. title–14).

27:13 the goodness of Yahweh Related to Yahweh’s glory, mercy, and grace (Exod 33:18–19).

27:14 Wait for Yahweh Describes eager hope and expectation for deliverance (Gen 49:18; Isa 8:17; Isa 40:31). Those who wait on Yahweh can expect Him to fulfill their hope (Psa 25:3).