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Commentary on Psalms 27 verses 1–6
We may observe here,
I. With what a lively faith David triumphs in God, glories in his holy name, and in the interest he had in him. 1. The Lord is my light. David's subjects called him the light of Israel, Sa2 21:17. And he was indeed a burning and a shining light: but he owns that he shone, as the moon does, with a borrows light; what light God darted upon him reflected upon them: The Lord is my light. God is a light to his people, to show them the way when they are in doubt, to comfort and rejoice their hearts when they are in sorrow. It is in his light that they now walk on in their way, and in his light they hope to see light for ever. 2. "He is my salvation, in whom I am safe and by whom I shall be saved." 3. "He is the strength of my life, not only the protector of my exposed life, who keeps me from being slain, but the strength of my frail weak life, who keeps me from fainting, sinking, and dying away." God, who is a believer's light, is the strength of his life, not only by whom, but in whom, he lives and moves. In God therefore let us strengthen ourselves.
II. With what an undaunted courage he triumphs over his enemies; no fortitude like that of faith. If God be for him, who can be against him? Whom shall I fear? Of whom shall I be afraid? If Omnipotence be his guard, he has no cause to fear; if he knows it to be so, he has no disposition to fear. If God be his light, he fears no shades; if God be his salvation, he fears no colours. He triumphs over his enemies that were already routed, Psa 27:2. His enemies came upon him, to eat up his flesh, aiming at no less and assured of that, but they fell; not, "He smote them and they fell," but, "They stumbled and fell;" they were so confounded and weakened that they could not go on with their enterprise. Thus those that came to take Christ with a word's speaking were made to stagger and fall to the ground, Joh 18:6. The ruin of some of the enemies of God's people is an earnest of the complete conquest of them all. And therefore, these having fallen, he is fearless of the rest: "Though they be numerous, a host of them, - though they be daring and their attempts threatening, - though they encamp against me, an army against one man, - though they wage war upon me, yet my heart shall not fear." Hosts cannot hurt us if the Lord of hosts protect us. Nay, in this assurance that God is for me "I will be confident." Two things he will be confident of: - 1. That he shall be safe. "If God is my salvation, in the time of trouble he shall hide me; he shall set me out of danger and above the fear of it." God will not only find out a shelter for his people in distress (as he did Jer 36:26), but he will himself be their hiding-place, Psa 32:7. His providence will, it may be, keep them safe; at least his grace will make them easy. His name is the strong tower into which by faith they run, Pro 18:10. "He shall hide me, not in the strongholds of En-gedi (Sa1 23:29), but in the secret of his tabernacle." The gracious presence of God, his power, his promise, his readiness to hear prayer, the witness of his Spirit in the hearts of his people - these are the secret of his tabernacle, and in these the saints find cause for that holy security and serenity of mind in which they dwell at ease. This sets them upon a rock which will not sink under them, but on which they find firm footing for their hopes; nay, it sets them up upon a rock on high, where the raging threatening billows of a stormy sea cannot touch them; it is a rock that is higher than we, Psa 61:2. 2. That he shall be victorious (Psa 27:6): "Now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies, not only so as that they cannot reach it with their darts, but so as that I shall be exalted to bear rule over them." David here, by faith in the promise of God, triumphs before the victory, and is as sure, not only of the laurel, but of the crown, as if it were already upon his head.
III. With what a gracious earnestness he prays for a constant communion with God in holy ordinances, Psa 27:4. It greatly encouraged his confidence in God that he was conscious to himself of an entire affection to God and to his ordinances, and that he was in his element when in the way of his duty and in the way of increasing his acquaintance with him. If our hearts can witness for us that we delight in God above any creature, that may encourage us to depend upon him; for it is a sign we are of those whom he protects as his own. Or it may be taken thus: He desired to dwell in the house of the Lord that there he might be safe from the enemies that surrounded him. Finding himself surrounded by threatening hosts, he does not say, "One thing have I desired, in order to my safety, that I may have my army augmented to such a number," or that I may be master of such a city or such a castle, but "that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, and then I am well." Observe,
1.What it is he desires - to dwell in the house of the Lord. In the courts of God's house the priests had their lodgings, and David wished he had been one of them. Disdainfully as some look upon God's ministers, one of the greatest and best of kings that ever was would gladly have taken his lot, have taken his lodging, among them. Or, rather, he desires that he might duly and constantly attend on the public service of God, with other faithful Israelites, according as the duty of every day required. He longed to see an end of the wars in which he was now engaged, not that he might live at ease in his own palace, but that he might have leisure and liberty for a constant attendance in God's courts. Thus Hezekiah, a genuine son of David, wished for the recovery of his health, not that he might go up to the thrones of judgment, but that he might go up to the house of the Lord, Isa 38:22. Note, All God's children desire to dwell in God's house; where should they dwell else? Not to sojourn there as a wayfaring man, that turns aside to tarry but for a night, nor to dwell there for a time only, as the servant that abides not in the house for ever, but to dwell there all the days of their life; for there the Son abides ever. Do we hope that praising God will be the blessedness of our eternity? Surely them we ought to make it the business of our time.
2.How earnestly he covets this: "This is the one thing I have desired of the Lord and which I will seek after." If he were to ask but one thing of God, this should be it; for this he had at heart more than any thing. He desired it as a good thing; he desired it of the Lord as his gift and a token of his favour. And, having fixed his desire upon this as the one thing needful, he sought after it; he continued to pray for it, and contrived his affairs so as that he might have this liberty and opportunity. Note, Those that truly desire communion with God will set themselves with all diligence to seek after it, Pro 18:1.
3.What he had in his eye in it. He would dwell in God's house, not for the plenty of good entertainment that was there, in the feasts upon the sacrifices, nor for the music and good singing that were there, but to behold the beauty of the Lord and to enquire in his temple. He desired to attend in God's courts, (1.) That he might have the pleasure of meditating upon God. He knew something of the beauty of the Lord, the infinite and transcendent amiableness of the divine being and perfections; his holiness is his beauty (Psa 110:3), his goodness is his beauty, Zac 9:17. The harmony of all his attributes is the beauty of his nature. With an eye of faith and holy love we with pleasure behold this beauty, and observe more and more in it that is amiable, that is admirable. When with fixedness of thought, and a holy flame of devout affections, we contemplate God's glorious excellencies, and entertain ourselves with the tokens of his peculiar favour to us, this is that view of the beauty of the Lord which David here covets, and it is to be had in his ordinances, for there he manifests himself. (2.) That he might have the satisfaction of being instructed in his duty; for concerning this he would enquire in God's temple. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? For the sake of these two things he desired that one thing, to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of his life; for blessed are those that do so; they will be still praising him (Psa 84:4), both in speaking to him and in hearing from him. Mary's sitting at Christ's feet to hear his word Christ calls the one thing needful, and the good part.
4.What advantage he promised himself by it. Could he but have a place in God's house, (1.) There he should be quiet and easy: there troubles would not find him, for he should be hid in secret; there troubles would not reach him, for he should be set on high, Psa 27:5. Joash, one of David's seed, was hidden in the house of the Lord six years, and there not only preserved from the sword, but reserved to the crown, Kg2 11:3. The temple was thought a safe place for Nehemiah to abscond in, Neh 6:10. The safety of believers however is not in the walls of the temple, but in the God of the temple and their comfort in communion with him. (2.) There he should be pleasant and cheerful: there he would offer sacrifices of joy, Psa 27:6. For God's work is its own wages. There he would sing, yea, he would sing praises to the Lord. Note, Whatever is the matter of our joy ought to be the matter of our praise; and, when we attend upon God in holy ordinances, we ought to be much in joy and praise. It is for the glory of our God that we should sing in his ways; and, whenever God lifts us up above our enemies, we ought to exalt him in our praises. Thanks be to God, who always causeth us to triumph, Co2 2:14.
God takes more satisfaction in the praise in these sacrifices than in the slaughter of animals.
"On a rock has He exalted me." And that what I believed might be made manifest for salvation, He has made my confession to be conspicuous in His own strength. "And now, lo! He has exalted mine head above mine enemies" [Psalm 27:6]. What does He reserve for me at the last, when even now the body is dead because of sin, lo! I feel that my mind serves the law of God, and is not led captive under the rebellious law of sin? "I have gone about, and have sacrificed in His tabernacle the sacrifice of rejoicing." I have considered the circuit of the world, believing on Christ; and in that for us God was humbled in time, I have praised Him with rejoicing: for with such sacrifice He is well pleased. "I will sing and give praises to the Lord." In heart and in deed I will be glad in the Lord.
The Lord Christ is the head of all the saints, in himself always remaining equal and indivisible, to be sure, but distributing the grace of his Spirit to each one of those who are elect, according to their capacity for receiving. For this reason, not only to the whole church in general but also to each of its members in particular is it permissible to proclaim with confidence that prophetic [word]: “And now he has lifted up my head above my enemies.”
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SUMMARY
Psalms 27:6 marks a profound turning point in David's psalm of unwavering trust, transitioning from an earnest plea for divine protection and intimate communion to a confident declaration of anticipated triumph and an exuberant commitment to joyful worship. Despite the immediate presence of adversaries, David expresses assured faith in God's future vindication and elevation, vowing to offer lavish sacrifices and songs of praise within the sacred space of the Lord's tabernacle. This verse encapsulates a powerful act of faith, celebrating a future victory in the present through an outpouring of worship.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 27 is masterfully structured, weaving together declarations of profound trust with urgent petitions for divine intervention. The psalm commences with David's bold affirmation of God as his light, salvation, and strength, rendering him fearless in the face of overwhelming opposition, even armies encamped against him (Psalms 27:1-3). This initial confidence is immediately followed by David's singular, all-consuming desire to dwell perpetually in God's presence and behold His beauty within His sanctuary (Psalms 27:4). Verses 5-6 then serve as a pivotal moment, where David's faith anticipates God's protective embrace and ultimate vindication, leading directly to his fervent vow of joyful worship. The latter half of the psalm (Psalms 27:7-12) shifts to a more direct and impassioned plea for God's continued presence and assistance against his adversaries, ultimately culminating in a renewed affirmation of hope in God's goodness in the land of the living (Psalms 27:13-14). Therefore, verse 6 is a crucial expression of prophetic assurance and proactive worship, demonstrating a faith that celebrates God's victory even before its full manifestation.
Historical & Cultural Context: Attributed to David, this psalm likely originates from a period of significant personal peril or national strife, where David found himself surrounded by enemies threatening his life or his reign. The concept of having one's "head lifted up" was a potent symbol in the ancient Near East, signifying vindication, honor, and restoration from shame or defeat. Conversely, a bowed head denoted humiliation, subjugation, or mourning. The "tabernacle" refers to the portable sanctuary, or tent of meeting, where God's presence dwelt among His people during their wilderness wanderings and before the permanent construction of Solomon's Temple. It served as the central place for Israelite worship, sacrifice, and communion with God. Sacrifices were an indispensable element of Israelite worship, often accompanied by specific rituals and expressions of gratitude, atonement, or petition. "Sacrifices of joy" (or "sacrifices of shouting/triumph") would have been voluntary offerings, expressing profound gratitude, exultation, and triumph, often accompanied by loud acclamations, music, and dancing, distinguishing them from mandatory sin or guilt offerings.
Key Themes: This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 27 and the broader Psalter. Divine Deliverance and Vindication is paramount, as David confidently declares that God will elevate him above his enemies, signifying not merely survival but complete honor and triumph. This theme profoundly resonates with God's consistent character as the one who lifts up the humble and vindicates the righteous. Joyful Thanksgiving and Worship is another prominent theme, as David's anticipated deliverance prompts an overflowing, exuberant commitment to praise. His vow to offer "sacrifices of joy" and "sing praises" in the tabernacle highlights worship as a proactive, faith-filled response to God's anticipated goodness, rather than merely a reaction to blessings already received. This anticipates the communal and celebratory nature of Israelite worship, where the people were called to come before the Lord with singing. Finally, Faith-Filled Assurance undergirds the entire verse. Even amidst present danger, David speaks of future events with unwavering certainty ("shall mine head be lifted up... will I offer... will I sing"), demonstrating a profound trust in God's character and faithfulness to fulfill His promises, a hallmark of David's relationship with the Lord throughout the book of Psalms.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 27:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of faith and triumph. Anticipation is a primary device, as David declares future actions and outcomes ("shall mine head be lifted up," "will I offer," "will I sing") with complete certainty, even before they have materialized. This showcases his profound and unwavering faith in God's faithfulness. The phrase "mine head be lifted up" functions as a Metonymy, where "head" stands for the entire person's honor, status, and well-being, symbolizing vindication and triumph over humiliation. This is further reinforced by the vivid Imagery of being elevated "above mine enemies," painting a picture of decisive victory. The verse also features strong Parallelism in the final clause: "I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD." This is a form of Repetition that emphasizes David's unshakeable resolve and the intensity of his commitment to worship, creating a sense of unwavering devotion and spiritual exuberance. The "sacrifices of joy" are a powerful Metaphor for exuberant, triumphant worship, evoking the sounds of celebration and victory that accompany such offerings.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 27:6 stands as a profound testament to the power of faith that anticipates God's deliverance and responds with proactive, joyful worship. Theologically, it underscores God's character as a faithful vindicator of the righteous, who lifts up those who trust in Him, transforming their shame into honor and their oppression into triumph. It also highlights the nature of true worship as an overflow of gratitude and confident expectation, not merely a reactive response to blessings already received. David's commitment to offer "sacrifices of joy" in the tabernacle points to the communal and celebratory dimension of acknowledging God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of present adversity. This verse teaches us that even when surrounded by challenges, our focus should remain on God's unwavering faithfulness, prompting a response of exuberant praise that declares His victory before it is fully seen.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful and enduring model for believers facing their own "enemies" or challenging circumstances. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of proactive faith, believing in God's ultimate deliverance and vindication even when our current reality seems bleak or overwhelming. Like David, we are invited to declare God's future victory over our troubles, not based on our own strength or the immediate absence of problems, but on His unfailing power, sovereign control, and steadfast faithfulness. This confident anticipation should then translate into an overflowing, joyful response of worship. Our worship is not merely a reaction to blessings already received, but an act of profound faith in blessings yet to come, a demonstration of heartfelt thanksgiving that transcends our immediate circumstances. Whether in corporate gatherings or private devotion, our praise should be an exuberant affirmation of God's sovereignty, goodness, and ultimate triumph, transforming our perspective from one of fear and despair to one of hopeful expectation and joyful adoration.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean for one's "head to be lifted up" in this context?
Answer: In the ancient Near East, having one's head "lifted up" was a powerful idiom signifying vindication, honor, and restoration from shame or defeat. It means to be elevated from a state of humiliation, oppression, or disgrace to a position of dignity, triumph, and public recognition of God's favor. It's a declaration that God will not only protect David but also openly demonstrate His victory over David's adversaries, restoring his standing and authority. This contrasts sharply with a bowed head, which symbolized defeat, disgrace, or mourning, and speaks to the comprehensive and public nature of God's deliverance. This concept is seen elsewhere in the Psalms, such as when David declares that the Lord is the lifter of my head.
What are "sacrifices of joy" and how do they differ from other sacrifices?
Answer: "Sacrifices of joy" (Hebrew: zivchei teru'ah) refers to voluntary offerings accompanied by exuberant shouts, acclamations, or trumpet blasts. The term teru'ah (H8643) implies a loud, triumphant sound, often associated with military victory, joyful celebration, or a loud call to worship. Unlike mandatory sin or guilt offerings, which were for atonement, these were freewill offerings given out of overflowing gratitude, celebration, and triumph. Therefore, these sacrifices were not quiet, solemn rituals but vibrant, public expressions of overwhelming joy and confident expectation in God's goodness and anticipated deliverance. They were an outpouring of a thankful heart, celebrating God's faithfulness even before the full realization of His promises. This concept finds a New Testament echo in the "sacrifice of praise" that believers are called to offer continually to God (Hebrews 13:15).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 27:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's confident expectation of his head being "lifted up above mine enemies" powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate vindication through His resurrection and ascension. Though crucified in shame and humiliation, God the Father "lifted up" Jesus, raising Him from the dead (Acts 2:24) and exalting Him to His right hand, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion (Ephesians 1:20-21). Jesus' triumph over sin, death, and the devil is the definitive "lifting up" that secures salvation for all who believe. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate "sacrifice of joy," offering Himself perfectly and completely, not with shouts of human triumph, but with the divine joy of accomplishing the Father's will and securing redemption for humanity (Hebrews 12:2). As believers, we are united with Christ in His victory; our "heads" are spiritually lifted up with Him, sharing in His vindication and triumph over spiritual enemies, for He has disarmed the powers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). Therefore, our "sacrifices of joy" and "singing praises unto the LORD" are now offered in and through Him, the great High Priest of our confession, as we worship God in spirit and truth, anticipating His glorious return and the full consummation of His eternal kingdom (John 4:24).