Bible Commentaries

"[A Psalm] of David." The LORD [is] my ^a light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

(a) Because he was assured of good success in all his dangers and that his salvation was surely laid up in God, he did not fear the tyranny of his enemies.

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in ^b this [will] I [be] confident.

(b) That God will deliver me and give my faith the victory.

^c One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

(c) The loss of country, wife and all worldly conveniences would not grieve me as much as this one thing, that I may not praise your name in the midst of the congregation.

^d 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.

(d) David assured himself by the Spirit of prophecy that he should overcome his enemies and serve God in his tabernacle.

[When thou saidst], ^e Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

(e) He grounds on God's promise and shows that he is most willing to obey his commandment.

^f When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

(f) He magnifies God's love toward his, which far passes the most tender love of parents towards their children.

Deliver me not over unto the ^g will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

(g) But either pacify their wrath, or bridle their rage.

[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD ^h in the land of the living.

(h) In this present life before I die, as in (Isaiah 38:11).

ⁱ Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

(i) He exhorts himself to depend on the Lord seeing he never failed in his promises.