Psalms 27:6

KJV

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now shall mine head {H7218} be lifted up {H7311} above mine enemies {H341} round about {H5439} me: therefore will I offer {H2076} in his tabernacle {H168} sacrifices {H2077} of joy {H8643}; I will sing {H7891}, yea, I will sing praises {H2167} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then my head will be lifted up above my surrounding foes, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, sing praises to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then my head will be held high above my enemies around me. At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And now shall my head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me; And I will offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### 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](/psalms/27-1-3 "Psalms 27:1-3 - God, My Light and Salvation")). 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](/psalms/27-4 "Psalms 27:4 - David's Sole Desire")). 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](/psalms/27-7-12 "Psalms 27:7-12 - A Plea for Help and Guidance")) 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](/psalms/27-13-14 "Psalms 27:13-14 - Waiting for the Lord")). 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](/psalms/147-6 "Psalms 147:6 - The Lord Lifts Up the Humble") and [vindicates the righteous](/psalms/7-9 "Psalms 7:9 - God Judges 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](/psalms/100-2 "Psalms 100:2 - Come Before Him 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](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Head (Hebrew, _rôʼsh_):** From an unused root apparently meaning to shake, this word refers to the head, whether literal or figurative. In this context, "head" is a **metonymy** for the entire person, one's honor, status, or dignity. To have one's "head lifted up" (from the root H7311, _rûwm_) signifies being elevated, vindicated, and restored to a position of honor, dignity, and authority, especially after a period of humiliation or oppression. It implies a public demonstration of God's favor and triumph over adversaries.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _ʼôhel_):** From a root meaning "to be clearly conspicuous from a distance," this word denotes a tent, covering, dwelling place, home, or tabernacle. Here, it refers specifically to the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people, serving as the central place for worship and sacrifice before the construction of the Temple. David's vow to worship "in his tabernacle" emphasizes the consecrated and communal nature of his anticipated praise.
* **Sacrifices (Hebrew, _zebach_):** From the primitive root H2076 (_zâbach_), meaning to slaughter an animal, this noun refers properly to a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal. By implication, it signifies a sacrifice, either the victim or the act of offering. When combined with "joy" (H8643, _tᵉrûwʻâh_), it refers to offerings accompanied by shouts of triumph or acclamation, indicating exuberant, voluntary offerings of thanksgiving and celebration rather than mandatory sin offerings.
* **Sing praises (Hebrew, _zâmar_):** A primitive root, perhaps identical with H7891 (_shîyr_) through the idea of striking with the fingers, this verb properly means to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., to play upon it. By extension, it means to make music, accompanied by the voice, and hence to celebrate in song and music, to give praise, or sing forth psalms. The repetition "I will sing, yea, I will sing praises" emphasizes the intensity and certainty of David's commitment to vocal and musical worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me:"** This clause expresses David's confident expectation of divine vindication and triumph. The word "now" indicates a present assurance of a future reality. "Mine head be lifted up" is a powerful idiom signifying restoration of honor, dignity, and victory over those who seek to humiliate or destroy him. The phrase "above mine enemies round about me" emphasizes the complete and decisive nature of this triumph, asserting God's sovereignty over all hostile forces that encircle him.
* **"therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;"** This is David's determined and anticipatory response to his expected deliverance. The causal "therefore" directly links his future worship to God's promised action. He vows to offer "sacrifices of joy" – not out of obligation, but from an overflowing heart of gratitude and exultation. The specific location, "in his tabernacle," underscores the importance of communal, consecrated worship as the appropriate venue for such a profound expression of thanks and praise to the Lord.
* **"I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD."** This final clause reiterates and intensifies David's commitment to worship. The emphatic repetition ("I will sing, yea, I will sing") highlights the certainty, enthusiasm, and perhaps the continuous nature of his praise. It signifies a deep, personal, and vocal expression of devotion, acknowledging God's worthiness and faithfulness. This is not merely an act of duty but an uninhibited outpouring of a heart filled with gratitude and adoration for the Lord, his deliverer.

#### 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.

* [Psalms 3:3](/psalms/3-3 "Psalms 3:3 - God as My Shield and Lifter of My Head")
* [Psalms 107:22](/psalms/107-22 "Psalms 107:22 - Offer Sacrifices of Thanksgiving")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering a Sacrifice of Praise")

### 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
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of proactive faith, anticipating God's deliverance even before it fully materializes in my life?**
* **What "sacrifices of joy" can I offer to the Lord in my current circumstances, even amidst challenges and uncertainties?**
* **In what ways can my personal and communal worship become more exuberant, confident, and anticipatory of God's future vindication?**

### 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](/psalms/3-3 "God, 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](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering a Sacrifice of Praise")).

### 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](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")) and exalting Him to His right hand, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion ([Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")). 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](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")). 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumphing Over Principalities and Powers")). 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](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 3:3

But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Hebrews 13:15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

Psalms 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

2 Samuel 22:49

And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

Isaiah 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Zechariah 9:9

¶ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;