Psalms 27

1 The LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God] is my light [natural and spiritual illumination] and my salvation [deliverance from sin and its consequences]— whom [who or what] shall I fear [revere or stand in awe of]? The LORD is the stronghold [fortified place or rock] of my life [physical and spiritual existence]— whom [who or what] shall I dread [feel fear or be afraid of]? word study 2 When the wicked [evil-doers, those who do evil] came upon me [to approach, to come near] to devour [to eat up, to consume] my flesh [my body, my person], my enemies [adversaries, those who oppose me] and foes [those who hate me] stumbled [to lose balance, to falter] and fell [to fall down, to be defeated]. word study 3 Though an army [host, a large group of soldiers] encamps [pitches its tents, sets up camp] around me, my heart [the center of my emotions, and intellect] will not fear [be afraid, tremble with anxiety]; though a war [battle, conflict] breaks out [rises up, is waged] against me, I will keep my trust [have confidence, faith, rely on God]. word study 4 One thing [alone, uniquely] I have asked [requested, sought] of the LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God]; this is what I desire [long for, yearn]: to dwell [reside, abide] in the house [temple, place of worship] of the LORD [the Lord’s presence] all the days [every moment] of my life [existence, being alive], to gaze [behold, see] on the beauty [pleasantness, delight] of the LORD [God’s nature] and seek [inquire, investigate] Him [God’s presence] in His temple [place of worship, holy dwelling]. word study 5 For in the day [of adversity, time of trouble] of trouble He will hide [conceal, treasure] me in His shelter [pavilion, tabernacle]; He will conceal [hide, keep secret] me under the cover [secrecy, secret place] of His tent [tabernacle, sacred dwelling]; He will set [lift, exalt] me high upon a rock [boulder, place of refuge]. word study 6 Then my head [lifted up, exalted] will be held high above [exalted over] my enemies [those who hate or oppose me] around me. At His tabernacle [sacred tent, dwelling place] I will offer [sacrifice, slaughter] sacrifices [of joy, with shouts of joy] with shouts of joy [loud cries, triumphant sounds]; I will sing [praise, make music] and make music [with instruments, in celebration] to the LORD [Yehovah, the supreme God]. word study 7 Hear [listen with attention and obedience], O LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God], my voice [sound or cry] when I call [cry out to someone or something]; be merciful [show kindness or favor, bending to help] and answer [respond or give an answer] me. word study 8 My heart [the seat of feelings, will, and intellect] said, “Seek [to search for, inquire about] His face [presence, countenance].” Your face [presence, countenance], O LORD [Yehovah, The covenant Name of God], I will seek [pursue, search for]. word study 9 Hide [conceal, cover] not Your face [presence, countenance] from me, nor turn away [reject, cast off] Your servant [slave, bondservant] in anger [wrath, displeasure]. You have been my helper [aid, assistance]; do not leave [abandon, forsake] me or forsake [loosen, relinquish] me, O God [Elohim, the supreme God] of my salvation [deliverance, rescue]. word study 10 Though [when, at the time] my father [male parent, ancestor] and mother [female parent, nurturer] forsake [abandon, turn away from] me, the LORD [Yehovah, the covenant God] will receive [take care of, gather to Himself] me. word study 11 Teach [show, guide] me Your way [path, journey], O LORD [Yehovah], and lead [guide, direct] me on a level [plain, upright] path, because [for the sake] of my oppressors [enemies, adversaries]. word study 12 Do not [under no circumstances] hand me over to the will [desire, intention] of my foes [enemies, adversaries], for false [deceptive, lying] witnesses [those who testify, bear testimony] rise up [stand against, come forth] against me, breathing out [puffing, meditating on] violence [cruelty, injustice]. word study 13 Still I am certain [absolutely sure, confident] to see [look upon, behold] the goodness [beauty, gladness] of the LORD [Yehovah, the Lord God] in the land [earth, territory] of the living [those who are alive, both physically and spiritually]. word study 14 Wait patiently [with confident expectation, trustfully] for the LORD [Yehovah, the covenant God]; be strong [courageous, take heart] and courageous [bold, fearless]. Wait patiently [with hope, in faith] for the LORD [Yehovah, the loving Savior]! word study