Psalms 27:1-14 - Exposition

For these reasons the psalm has been supposed to be "composite;" but the question arises—If the two parts, being so entirely unlike, were originally distinct and unconnected, what should have led any arranger or editor to unite them? To this question there seems to be no possible answer; and thus the very diversity of the two parts would seem to show an original union.

According to the statement of the title, the psalm was written by David. It has many characteristics of his style, the sudden transition and change in the tone of thought being one. It is quite conceivable that during the rebellion under Absalom, having obtained some important success, he may have considered it an occasion for thanksgiving; and that, after his thanks were paid, his thoughts may have reverted to the still-continuing difficulties of the situation, the danger which impended ( Psalms 27:11 , Psalms 27:12 ), the calumnies to which he was exposed ( Psalms 27:12 ), the desertion of those near and dear to him ( Psalms 27:10 ), the fact that the chastisement had been provoked by his own sin ( Psalms 27:9 ); and so the strain, which began in jubilation, may not unnaturally have ended in a plea for mercy.

The psalm consists of a strophe ( Psalms 27:1-6 ), an antistrophe ( Psalms 27:7-12 ), and a brief epode ( Psalms 27:13 , Psalms 27:14 ).