vs 1
The answer of course is no-one, but this is usually an idea you would look into when you already are afraid, or when there are things that would make normal people afraid. There's plenty out there to fear, just not anything that outranks God.
vs 2
Sometimes. I don't think there's a promise we can rely on that makes this a reality, except eschatologically. Perhaps we need to think that way anyway.
vs 3
David, I've read your other psalms, so I know this isn't true. But it's a great thing to aim for.
vs 4
If we look at life eschatologically, if this is what we live for, then we'll get it, regardless of armies and enemies. So, awesome.
vs 5
Is the day of trouble just the day when trouble strikes, or is it the Day of trouble? Not sure, but considering that the worst day of trouble is the Day, and God still protects from that, we should be okay.
vs 6
The head being exalted, I'm guessing, is like being head and shoulders above them. So God's safety puts David above his enemies. And I suppose because God has kept David safe, he makes his sacrifices with joy and sings to him in thanksgiving.
vs 7
The tone of this psalm generally gives these words a different expression than in those of anguish. It's like it's a statement that still needs to be made, but with assurance that it will be heard.
vs 8
That's a wonderful thing. His very being tells him to seek God's face, and so that's what he's going to do.
vs 9
David, as always, is putting this request in the context of previous help from God. But when he is positive, he puts it in the context of previous help to him. When he's a little more anxious, he puts it in the context of previous help to Israel.
vs 10
That's a little depressing, but I guess if God is for you, then even your parents can't take that away. This is quite a common thing for many Christians these days, who convert from other religions. It's a powerful verse for them, I'll bet.
vs 11
I wonder if David means that, because he's got the pressure of people seeking to oppress him, that that is a possible cause of him leaving the straight and narrow, and so he's asking God to give him a straight path so he doesn't go and kill someone, or something similar? It's an interesting base for the request.
vs 12
David's life definitely sucked sometimes. But he was sure God could get him through.
vs 13
While the first part of the verse is a great statement that really backs up the tone of the whole thing, the words "in the land of the living" are quite interesting. The way I read it is him saying that he is confident that God will bless him and save him 'during this life', as in, he is not waiting eschatologically. That sort of throws out what I was saying earlier. I suppose the promises of God to Israel really were wrapped up in the here and now, so why not have that faith? That's quite a challenge to me.
vs 14
Thank you, David. I'll try.
5 comments:
the answer to psalm 27:1 "whom shall i fear?" is the LORD actually
If Psalm 27 meant "fear" in terms of definition 4 as found in the Macquarie Dictionary (reverential awe, especially towards God) then I would agree with you.
But since the verse repeats its meaning in a slightly different turn of phrase "Of whom shall I be afraid?", I believe it is closer in meaning to definition one found in the Macquarie Dictionary (a painful feeling of impending danger, evil, trouble, etc.; the feeling or condition of being afraid) then I wouldn't be so sure.
Do you think the answer to the question "Of whom shall I be afraid?" is God? Are meant to have a painful feeling of impending danger and trouble from God?
1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." Although I'm sure you already know that.
Thanks for the comment, Erika.
in comparison to men or evil in general than yes i do. not that God wants us to have to be "afraid" of him...perfect love casts out fear...however if we have any rason to fear anything or anyone at all...it should and would be God because He is the only one that can destroy both our body and soul in hell. "What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care." Matthew 10:27-29. notice that once Jesus finished tellingthem not to fear men but God he affirmed that God is good and loving by making the statement about the sparrows and we can trust Him not to do evil toward us, however if we ever had any reason to fear anyone or anything He would be God alone.
actually if you read a few verses further in Matthew 10 Jesus actually states specifically..."Fear not, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever confesses me before men, him i will confess before my Father which is in heaven."
I'm glad we could be in agreement.
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