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Psalms 27:13
Verse
Context
The LORD Is My Salvation
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!
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Self-encouragement to firmer confidence of faith. Joined to Psa 27:12 (Aben-Ezra, Kimchi), Psa 27:13 trails badly after it. We must, with Geier, Dachselt, and others, suppose that the apodosis is wanting to the protasis with its לוּלא pointed with three points above, (Note: The ו has not any point above it, because it might be easily mistaken for a Cholem, vid., Baer's Psalterium p. 130.) and four below, according to the Masora (cf. B. Berachoth 4a), but a word which is indispensably necessary, and is even attested by the lxx (ἑαυτῇ) and the Targum (although not by any other of the ancient versions); cf. the protasis with לוּ, which has no apodosis, in Gen 50:15, and the apodoses with כּי after לוּלי in Gen 31:42; Gen 43:10; 1 Sam. 35:34; Sa2 2:27 (also Num 22:33, where אוּלי = אם לא = לוּלי), which are likewise to be explained per aposiopesin. The perfect after לוּלא (לוּלי) has sometimes the sense of a plusquamperfectum (as in Gen 43:10, nisi cunctati essemus), and sometimes the sense of an imperfect, as in the present passage (cf. Deu 32:29, si saperent). The poet does not speak of a faith that he once had, a past faith, but, in regard to the danger that is even now abiding and present, of the faith he now has, a present faith. The apodosis ought to run something like this (Psa 119:92; Psa 94:17): did I not believe, were not confidence preserved to me...then (אז( ne or כּי אז) I should perish; or: then I had suddenly perished. But he has such faith, and he accordingly in Psa 27:14 encourages himself to go on cheerfully waiting and hoping; he speaks to himself, it is, as it were, the believing half of his soul addressing the despondent and weaker half. Instead of ואמץ (Deu 31:7) the expression is, as in Ps 31:25, ויאמץ לבּך, let thy heart be strong, let it give proof of strength. The rendering "May He (Jahve) strengthen thy heart" would require יאמּץ; but האמיץ, as e.g., הרחיב Psa 25:17, belongs to the transitive denominatives applying to the mind or spirit, in which the Hebrew is by no means poor, and in which the Arabic is especially rich.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The strong emotion is indicated by the incomplete sentence, for which the English Version supplies a proper clause; or, omitting that, and rendering, "yet I believed," &c., the contrast of his faith and his danger is expressed. to see--is to experience (Psa 22:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I had fainted,.... When false witnesses rose up against him, and threatened to take away his life, and the life of his friends, in the most barbarous and cruel manner: the people of God are subject to faintings, in the present state of things; by reason of afflictions; because of the nature, number, and continuance of them; and especially when they apprehend them to be in wrath and sore displeasure: and on account of their sins, and the corruptions of their hearts; fearing lest there should be no pardon for them; or that the true work of grace is not in them; or that they shall fall, to the dishonour of the name of God, and to the reproach of his, cause and interest; or that they shall perish eternally: likewise, by reason of Satan's temptations, which are sometimes so grievous, that if Christ did not pray for them, their faith would fail; and also on account of the hidings of God's face, which they cannot bear: they are sometimes ready to faint in the way of their duty, in the course of their profession, because of the difficulties and discouragements, reproaches and persecutions, they meet with; and sometimes in the expectation of blessings; and of the fulfilment of promises, and of answers of prayer, which have been long deferred. This clause is not in the original text, but is a supplement of our translators; and it is generally agreed there is a defect of expression, which must be supplied in some way or other: the Jewish interpreters generally refer it to the preceding words; one supplies thus (m), "those false witnesses would have rose up against me, and consumed me"; another (n) after this manner, "mine enemies had almost got the dominion over me"; a third (o), "I had almost perished at their sayings": and a fourth (p), "and they would have destroyed me". Perhaps it may be as well supplied from Psa 119:92; "I should then have perished in mine affliction"; it follows, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living: both the providential goodness of the Lord, in supplying him with the, necessaries of life, and in delivering him out of the hands of his enemies; and his special goodness, which he has laid up in his covenant, and in his son; even all spiritual blessings in Christ, in whom he causes all his goodness to pass before his people. The psalmist believed that he should "see"; that is, enjoy all these, or whatever was needful for him; all the good things of life, all special favours; as supports under afflictions, views of pardoning grace under a sense of sin, strength against Satan's temptations, and deliverance out of them; the discoveries of the love of God, and the light of his countenance, after desertions, and divine refreshments in his house, from his word and ordinances; and at last all the glories of the other world; and faith in these things is the best antidote against faintings. By "the land of the living" may be meant either the land of Canaan, where the living God was worshipped, and living saints dwelt, in opposition to other lands, the habitations of men dead in sins; and at a distance from which David now might be; or else the world in general, in opposition to the place and state of the dead; or, as some think, heaven, or he life of the world to come, as Kimchi expresses it; and so Apollinarius paraphrases it, "I shall see the blessed God with my eyes in the land of the blessed.'' The word rendered "unless", is one of the fifteen words which are extraordinarily pointed in the Hebrew Bible. (m) Jarchi. (n) Aben Ezra. (o) Kimchi. (p) Abendana, Not. in Miclol Yophi in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:13-14 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; 43:5), but their future is secure (37:9; 130:7; see 9:18).
Psalms 27:13
The LORD Is My Salvation
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!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
I Want My Portion Now!
By David Wilkerson3.1K1:03:48Christian LifePSA 16:5PSA 16:11PSA 27:13PSA 119:57PSA 142:5LAM 3:22In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of backsliding and encourages the audience to examine their reasons for coming to church. He emphasizes the importance of personal connection with God and the dissatisfaction that can arise from relying on worldly things. The preacher reminds the audience of God's love and forgiveness, highlighting the image of God as a loving coach rather than a harsh judge. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their relationship with God and not neglect Him in their daily lives.
Avoiding Cynicism - Part 3
By K.P. Yohannan2.4K10:18Critical SpiritGEN 19:26PSA 27:13PRO 18:21MAT 6:33HEB 3:19HEB 4:2HEB 11:8In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannett addresses the danger of becoming cynical and taking God's Word and blessings for granted. He highlights the importance of faith and belief in experiencing the goodness of the Lord in our lives. He references the Old Testament story of the Israelites who were destroyed in the wilderness because they did not mix the word they heard with faith. He emphasizes the need to avoid cynicism and instead have a tangible, real, and touchable faith in God's promises.
Rejoice!
By Basilea Schlink1.0K04:35Radio ShowPSA 27:13ISA 60:20MAT 6:33ROM 8:18COL 3:21PE 1:6REV 21:4In this sermon, Basilia Schlink delivers a message of hope and encouragement to those who are feeling sad or despairing. She emphasizes that God is the Father of goodness and that even in times of trouble and darkness, we should lift up our heads and rejoice. The suffering we experience is a sign that the hour of redemption is near, and we can live in joyful expectation of the return of Christ. Schlink urges listeners to focus on God's glory and His kingdom, rather than the present anxieties and cares of the world. By making Jesus the center of our lives, we can experience a taste of heaven even in the midst of suffering.
Isaiah
By J.B. Rowell86942:37PSA 17:15PSA 27:13ISA 5:20ISA 53:5ISA 53:11HEB 2:101PE 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the satisfaction that Jesus had in saving souls and transforming lives. He encourages the congregation to be channels of blessing and to live in a way that brings glory to God. The speaker also highlights the profound message of the death and sacrifice of Jesus, urging the listeners to truly understand and appreciate what Jesus has done for them. He challenges the audience to live with purpose and to consider the eternal purpose that Jesus pursued throughout his life.
Old Testament Survey - Part 3
By Dick Woodward54228:31DEU 29:29PSA 27:13PSA 119:160JHN 7:17JHN 17:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible as the word of God amidst modern skepticism and attacks on its credibility. It highlights the significance of knowing the background of the Bible, the inspiration of scripture, and the practical approach to studying and applying its teachings. The speaker encourages a humble and open-hearted attitude towards scripture, seeking truth, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide interpretation and application.
Old Testament Survey - Part 26
By Dick Woodward50127:28JOS 1:9JOS 6:20PSA 27:13JHN 2:5HEB 11:31This sermon delves into the book of Joshua as a powerful illustration of faith, contrasting it with the book of Numbers which focuses on unbelief. It highlights the perpetuation of faith from Moses to Joshua, the perplexities and problems of faith, and the importance of obedient faith. The sermon emphasizes the need for practical faith that walks and works, using the story of the battle of Jericho as a prime example of faith in action.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 104
By Don Courville32626:11Radio ShowPSA 27:13PSA 31:19PSA 96:1PSA 105:1PSA 105:6LUK 9:33In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about his children playfully bumping into him to illustrate the concept of having God always by our side. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's presence and relying on Him during difficult times. The speaker then references Psalm 96, which encourages giving glory and strength to the Lord, worshiping Him in holiness, and fearing Him above all gods. The passage also highlights the stability and joy that comes from acknowledging God's reign. The sermon concludes with a reminder to give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and enduring mercy.
The Bible Shows Us a Way of Life
By K.P. Yohannan2Belief vs. SightFaithPSA 27:13MAT 17:20MAT 21:22MRK 9:24JHN 11:20JHN 11:40ACT 16:31K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that the Bible teaches a way of life rooted in belief rather than sight, illustrating this through various scriptures that highlight the importance of faith. He points out that believing precedes seeing, as shown in the story of Lazarus, where Jesus encourages Martha to focus on faith despite the overwhelming evidence of death. Yohannan reminds us that even a small amount of faith, like a mustard seed, can lead to miraculous outcomes. He encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to seek help in overcoming doubts, reinforcing that faith is essential for experiencing God's glory.
Hope
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 27:13ROM 15:4ROM 15:131CO 13:13COL 1:271TH 5:8HEB 6:19HEB 10:23Richard E. Bieber emphasizes the importance of nurturing the three gifts God gives believers: faith, love, and hope. He explains that neglecting the gift of hope can lead to a loss of faith and love, urging listeners to seek and hold onto the vision of heaven even in darkness. Using the analogy of Christian in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, he highlights the necessity of finding and maintaining hope to face challenges. Bieber stresses the need to taste glory in the scriptures, through harmony with fellow believers, and in unified praise to renew vision and hope in God.
Let Him Kiss Me With the Kisse of His Mouth
By Edward Taylor0PSA 27:13ROM 8:381CO 13:121JN 4:16Edward Taylor delves into the deep mystery of God's love, questioning why there are times when we feel a cloud of despair and darkness despite being in the midst of His love. He reflects on the paradox of experiencing ardent love for Christ yet feeling spiritually blind and unloved. Taylor ponders on the concept of God's love being withheld or felt inadequately by those who may not fully comprehend or appreciate it, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God's perfect timing and provision.
Letter 37
By James Bourne0PSA 27:13PSA 42:5PRO 3:5JHN 14:6HEB 11:5James Bourne, in a letter to his cousin, reflects on his struggles and doubts, feeling confined in Doubting Castle and distant from God. Despite his ingratitude, he acknowledges God's marvellous helps and deliverances, leading to a sweeter sense of mercy from the Lord Jesus. Bourne emphasizes the importance of walking in faith, even when feeling forgotten, and encourages his cousin and children to follow the steps that lead to eternal life, contrasting the worldly ways with the safe path to salvation.
The Afflicted Remnant and Their Confiding Trust
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 9:10PSA 27:13PSA 34:18PSA 62:8PRO 3:5ISA 53:5ZEP 3:12ROM 5:3HEB 12:61PE 5:7J.C. Philpot preaches about the significance of God leaving an afflicted and poor people in the midst of Jerusalem, symbolizing the visible church with an invisible, chosen remnant. He emphasizes the spiritual character of this chosen people, marked by being afflicted and poor, leading them to trust in the name of the Lord. Philpot delves into the profound impact of afflictions on God's people, highlighting how temporal, providential, and spiritual afflictions sanctify and draw believers closer to God, fostering trust in Jesus' compassion, righteousness, and atoning blood. He stresses that trust in the Lord is tested through afflictions, ultimately deepening reliance on God's faithfulness and leading to a closer communion with Him.
Believe in Order to See
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 27:13PSA 106:12JHN 20:292CO 5:7HEB 11:27Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of unwavering faith in God, contrasting the inconsistent faith of the children of Israel with the steadfast faith that God desires from His people. He emphasizes the need to believe in God regardless of circumstances, rather than waiting for visible proof before trusting. Cowman encourages believers to have faith that precedes sight, echoing St. Augustine's words that faith is believing in the unseen and being rewarded by seeing what is believed.
The Suburbs of Heaven
By Richard Baxter0NEH 6:3PSA 27:13JER 2:32MAT 4:8MAT 6:9MAT 6:21JHN 20:29COL 3:21JN 2:15Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of setting our hearts and minds on heavenly things, emphasizing the need to focus on eternity and the joy of dwelling with God. He urges believers to meditate on heaven's delights, resist temptations through heavenly-mindedness, and find comfort in afflictions by fixing their thoughts on the eternal rest promised by God. Baxter highlights that a heart set upon heaven is evidence of sincerity, a defense against sin, and a source of increased love and joy, ultimately leading to a more fruitful Christian life and honoring God.
Believing Before Seeing
By Charles E. Cowman0EXO 14:13JOS 1:2PSA 27:13MRK 11:24HEB 11:1Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of having faith in God's promises in the present moment, emphasizing that God is always at work and meeting us in the now. He highlights the need to believe before seeing, trusting in God's Word alone as evidence of His faithfulness. Through examples from Joshua and the Psalmist, he encourages believers to maintain unwavering faith, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties, knowing that God's deliverance is on its way.
Trust in Spite of How It Looks
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 27:13Charles E. Cowman preaches about the essence of faith in overcoming the challenges of the world, emphasizing the need to trust and obey God even in difficult and uncertain times when everything seems bleak and discouraging. He highlights that true faith is tested in adversity, when circumstances are not favorable, and when doubts and fears arise, but it is during these moments that unwavering faith in God's love and provision is crucial.
Mark 5:35 to End. He Raises Jairus' Daughter.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0GEN 22:14PSA 27:13MRK 5:36MRK 5:41JHN 11:25ROM 4:211CO 15:522CO 1:10HEB 11:19Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the story of Jairus' daughter, highlighting the importance of unwavering faith in Jesus, even in the face of seemingly impossible situations. Jesus encourages Jairus to not be afraid, but to believe in His power to overcome any obstacle. The miracle of raising the dead child demonstrates God's love and power, reserved for those who have faith and trust in Him. Just as Abraham believed in God's provision and saw deliverance in his time of extreme distress, believers are called to trust in God's faithfulness even in the midst of trials. The story serves as a reminder that God's wonderful works are revealed to those who believe, and that there is a proper time to share these testimonies of God's faithfulness.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Self-encouragement to firmer confidence of faith. Joined to Psa 27:12 (Aben-Ezra, Kimchi), Psa 27:13 trails badly after it. We must, with Geier, Dachselt, and others, suppose that the apodosis is wanting to the protasis with its לוּלא pointed with three points above, (Note: The ו has not any point above it, because it might be easily mistaken for a Cholem, vid., Baer's Psalterium p. 130.) and four below, according to the Masora (cf. B. Berachoth 4a), but a word which is indispensably necessary, and is even attested by the lxx (ἑαυτῇ) and the Targum (although not by any other of the ancient versions); cf. the protasis with לוּ, which has no apodosis, in Gen 50:15, and the apodoses with כּי after לוּלי in Gen 31:42; Gen 43:10; 1 Sam. 35:34; Sa2 2:27 (also Num 22:33, where אוּלי = אם לא = לוּלי), which are likewise to be explained per aposiopesin. The perfect after לוּלא (לוּלי) has sometimes the sense of a plusquamperfectum (as in Gen 43:10, nisi cunctati essemus), and sometimes the sense of an imperfect, as in the present passage (cf. Deu 32:29, si saperent). The poet does not speak of a faith that he once had, a past faith, but, in regard to the danger that is even now abiding and present, of the faith he now has, a present faith. The apodosis ought to run something like this (Psa 119:92; Psa 94:17): did I not believe, were not confidence preserved to me...then (אז( ne or כּי אז) I should perish; or: then I had suddenly perished. But he has such faith, and he accordingly in Psa 27:14 encourages himself to go on cheerfully waiting and hoping; he speaks to himself, it is, as it were, the believing half of his soul addressing the despondent and weaker half. Instead of ואמץ (Deu 31:7) the expression is, as in Ps 31:25, ויאמץ לבּך, let thy heart be strong, let it give proof of strength. The rendering "May He (Jahve) strengthen thy heart" would require יאמּץ; but האמיץ, as e.g., הרחיב Psa 25:17, belongs to the transitive denominatives applying to the mind or spirit, in which the Hebrew is by no means poor, and in which the Arabic is especially rich.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The strong emotion is indicated by the incomplete sentence, for which the English Version supplies a proper clause; or, omitting that, and rendering, "yet I believed," &c., the contrast of his faith and his danger is expressed. to see--is to experience (Psa 22:17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I had fainted,.... When false witnesses rose up against him, and threatened to take away his life, and the life of his friends, in the most barbarous and cruel manner: the people of God are subject to faintings, in the present state of things; by reason of afflictions; because of the nature, number, and continuance of them; and especially when they apprehend them to be in wrath and sore displeasure: and on account of their sins, and the corruptions of their hearts; fearing lest there should be no pardon for them; or that the true work of grace is not in them; or that they shall fall, to the dishonour of the name of God, and to the reproach of his, cause and interest; or that they shall perish eternally: likewise, by reason of Satan's temptations, which are sometimes so grievous, that if Christ did not pray for them, their faith would fail; and also on account of the hidings of God's face, which they cannot bear: they are sometimes ready to faint in the way of their duty, in the course of their profession, because of the difficulties and discouragements, reproaches and persecutions, they meet with; and sometimes in the expectation of blessings; and of the fulfilment of promises, and of answers of prayer, which have been long deferred. This clause is not in the original text, but is a supplement of our translators; and it is generally agreed there is a defect of expression, which must be supplied in some way or other: the Jewish interpreters generally refer it to the preceding words; one supplies thus (m), "those false witnesses would have rose up against me, and consumed me"; another (n) after this manner, "mine enemies had almost got the dominion over me"; a third (o), "I had almost perished at their sayings": and a fourth (p), "and they would have destroyed me". Perhaps it may be as well supplied from Psa 119:92; "I should then have perished in mine affliction"; it follows, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living: both the providential goodness of the Lord, in supplying him with the, necessaries of life, and in delivering him out of the hands of his enemies; and his special goodness, which he has laid up in his covenant, and in his son; even all spiritual blessings in Christ, in whom he causes all his goodness to pass before his people. The psalmist believed that he should "see"; that is, enjoy all these, or whatever was needful for him; all the good things of life, all special favours; as supports under afflictions, views of pardoning grace under a sense of sin, strength against Satan's temptations, and deliverance out of them; the discoveries of the love of God, and the light of his countenance, after desertions, and divine refreshments in his house, from his word and ordinances; and at last all the glories of the other world; and faith in these things is the best antidote against faintings. By "the land of the living" may be meant either the land of Canaan, where the living God was worshipped, and living saints dwelt, in opposition to other lands, the habitations of men dead in sins; and at a distance from which David now might be; or else the world in general, in opposition to the place and state of the dead; or, as some think, heaven, or he life of the world to come, as Kimchi expresses it; and so Apollinarius paraphrases it, "I shall see the blessed God with my eyes in the land of the blessed.'' The word rendered "unless", is one of the fifteen words which are extraordinarily pointed in the Hebrew Bible. (m) Jarchi. (n) Aben Ezra. (o) Kimchi. (p) Abendana, Not. in Miclol Yophi in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
27:13-14 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; 43:5), but their future is secure (37:9; 130:7; see 9:18).