Psalm 27

The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation

1. Of David. 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; 1 whom shall I fear? 1 The Lord is the stronghold[a] of my life; 1 of whom shall I be afraid?

2. When evildoers assail me 2 to eat up my flesh, 2 my adversaries and foes, 2 it is they who stumble and fall.

3. Though an army encamp against me, 3 my heart shall not fear; 3 though war arise against me, 3 yet[b] I will be confident.

4. One thing have I asked of the Lord, 4 that will I seek after: 4 that I may dwell in the house of the Lord 4 all the days of my life, 4 to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord 4 and to inquire[c] in his temple.

5. For he will hide me in his shelter 5 in the day of trouble; 5 he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; 5 he will lift me high upon a rock.

6. And now my head shall be lifted up 6 above my enemies all around me, 6 and I will offer in his tent 6 sacrifices with shouts of joy; 6 I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

7. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; 7 be gracious to me and answer me!

8. You have said, “Seek[d] my face.” 8 My heart says to you, 8 “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”[e]

9. Hide not your face from me. 9 Turn not your servant away in anger, 9 O you who have been my help. 9 Cast me not off; forsake me not, 9 O God of my salvation!

10. For my father and my mother have forsaken me, 10 but the Lord will take me in.

11. Teach me your way, O Lord, 11 and lead me on a level path 11 because of my enemies.

12. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; 12 for false witnesses have risen against me, 12 and they breathe out violence.

13. I believe[f] that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord 13 in the land of the living!

14. Wait for the Lord; 14 be strong, and let your heart take courage; 14 wait for the Lord!

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 27:1: Or refuge
b. Psalm 27:3: Or in this
c. Psalm 27:4: Or meditate
d. Psalm 27:8: The command (seek) is addressed to more than one person
e. Psalm 27:8: The meaning of the Hebrew verse is uncertain
f. Psalm 27:13: Other Hebrew manuscripts Oh! Had I not believed