TheoMaps

Act IV · Israel

Psalm 27: Seek His face and wait

Confidence in the LORD leads David to seek His presence, plead for help and wait courageously.

Chapter 27 of 15014 verses3 sectionsBSB

Where Psalm 27 sits

Genesis66 books · 1,189 chaptersRevelation
In the story
Act IV, Israel: Exodus–Malachi · The Kingdom, c. 1050–930 BC
In the Bible
Old Testament · Wisdom & Poetry · chapter 27 of 150 in Psalms
In Psalms
Book I: the way of faith and the praying king, 1–41
Before
Psalm 26: Test the worshiper's heart
After
Psalm 28: Carry Your people forever

Psalm 27 summary

David fears neither enemies nor armies because he desires the LORD's shelter (1–6). He asks God not to forsake him and to protect him from false witnesses (7–12). Hope in God's goodness supports patient strength (13–14).

Psalm 27 in context

Speaking
David, as named in the superscription.
Written for
The LORD and the worshiping congregation, with instruction for all who receive this song as Scripture.
Around it
Confident praise and urgent petitions coexist within one song. The plea does not cancel the opening faith, and the closing command calls for continued waiting.

The sections of Psalm 27

  1. Confidence seeks God's dwelling
    27:1–6
  2. Hear and guide me
    27:7–12
  3. Wait with courage
    27:13–14

Read Psalm 27

The LORD Is My Salvation

Of David.

1The LORD is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life—

whom shall I dread?

2When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh,

my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.

3Though an army encamps around me,

my heart will not fear;

though a war breaks out against me,

I will keep my trust.

4One thing I have asked of the LORD;

this is what I desire:

to dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

to gaze on the beauty of the LORD

and seek Him in His temple.

5For in the day of trouble

He will hide me in His shelter;

He will conceal me under the cover of His tent;

He will set me high upon a rock.

6Then my head will be held high

above my enemies around me.

At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call;

be merciful and answer me.

8My heart said, “Seek His face.”

Your face, O LORD, I will seek.

9Hide not Your face from me,

nor turn away Your servant in anger.

You have been my helper;

do not leave me or forsake me,

O God of my salvation.

10Though my father and mother forsake me,

the LORD will receive me.

11Teach me Your way, O LORD,

and lead me on a level path,

because of my oppressors.

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

for false witnesses rise up against me,

breathing out violence.

13Still I am certain to see

the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living.

14Wait patiently for the LORD;

be strong and courageous.

Wait patiently for the LORD!

Berean Standard Bible, 14 verses. The BSB is in the public domain.

Near it in Book I: the way of faith and the praying king

  • Psalm 21
  • Psalm 22
  • Psalm 23
  • Psalm 24
  • Psalm 25
  • Psalm 26
  • Psalm 28
  • Psalm 29
  • Psalm 30
  • Psalm 31
  • Psalm 32
  • Psalm 33

Read alongside

  • Hebrews 4

Questions on Psalm 27

  1. How do confidence and urgent pleading coexist in this psalm?

The answers are in TheoMaps Challenges.

Plus What TheoMaps holds for Psalm 27

  • How Psalm 27 points to Christ
  • What each of its 3 sections says, and how one leads into the next
  • Why that chapter belongs beside it
  • The answers to its questions, in Challenges

TheoMaps Plus opens every book the way Genesis is open, on the map, with Challenges to help you remember it.

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