Psalms 27:9 - Exposition

Hide not thy face far from me. It would he useless for David to "seek God's face," if God should determine to "hide his face" from him. David felt from time to time as if God's face was hidden from him, as we see in other psalms ( Psalms 10:1-18 :l; Psalms 13:1 ; Psalms 69:17 , etc.); and so also did other saints ( Psalms 44:24 ; Psalms 88:14 ). In most instances, probably, God sends the feeling as a chastisement, that the heart may turn with more sincerity to him. Put not thy servant away in anger ; i.e. reject me not—cast me not off. The verb used is very strong and emphatic. Thou hast been my Help . Ever in the past I have had thee for Helper (comp. Psalms 3:3-7 ; Psalms 4:1 ; Psalms 6:8-10 ; Psalms 18:2 , etc.). God's goodness to us in the past must ever be our chief ground of confidence in him for the future. Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation (comp. Psalms 94:14 ).