The LORD Is My Light and My Salvation

Of David.

1The LORD is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold27:1 Or refuge of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?

2When evildoers assail me

to eat up my flesh,

my adversaries and foes,

it is they who stumble and fall.

3Though an army encamp against me,

my heart shall not fear;

though war arise against me,

yet27:3 Or in this I will be confident.

4One thing have I asked 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 gaze upon the beauty of the LORD

and to enquire27:4 Or meditate in his temple.

5For he will hide me in his shelter

in the day of trouble;

he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;

he will lift me high upon a rock.

6And now my head shall be lifted up

above my enemies all round me,

and I will offer in his tent

sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

7Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;

be gracious to me and answer me!

8You have said, “Seek27:8 The command (seek) is addressed to more than one person my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, LORD, do I seek.”27:8 The meaning of the Hebrew verse is uncertain

9Hide not your face from me.

Turn not your servant away in anger,

O you who have been my help.

Cast me not off; forsake me not,

O God of my salvation!

10For my father and my mother have forsaken me,

but the LORD will take me in.

11Teach me your way, O LORD,

and lead me on a level path

because of my enemies.

12Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;

for false witnesses have risen against me,

and they breathe out violence.

13I believe that I shall look27:13 Other Hebrew manuscripts Oh! Had I not believed that I would look upon the goodness of the LORD

in the land of the living!

14Wait for the LORD;

be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the LORD!