Navarra, Ana Rica S. 15 October 2015Introduction to the Bible Prof. Madeline Vega

Reflection on the Twenty-Seventh Psalm

The twenty-seventh psalm is a beautifully weaved psalm that balances the theme of

lament to and confidence on God. Verses 1-6 clearly exhibits the idea of being confident to God.

There are also hints of being a lament in vv1-6 subtly modified and worded in a more optimistic

form that highlights trust to God.

Verses 7-14 is deliberately a psalm of lament with the following salient parts: first,

invocation to God (v7a) or an address to Yahweh to hear his call; second, petition for mercy and

a request not to be rejected or forsaken (v7b-9); third, complaint against those who forsake,

oppress and were being violent to the composer (vv10-12) with petitions that Yahweh instruct

and lead him intertwined (11a-b, 12a); and, lastly, an expression of confidence or trust in God

(vv10b, 13-14).

More than being a lamentation, Psalm 27 is a song of trust to God. The first verse

established who God is to the life of the composer- his light and salvation and the stronghold of

his life. In the midst of darkness, troubles and harms, fear will never overtake him. Even in the

midst of persecution, oppression and violence, there is a sense of shalom, of completeness,

because of God.

There is also hope for future things from God to come. The promises of God will be

fulfilled in the land of the living (v13). We will see them all fulfilled. What is essential is for us

to be strong, to be courageous and to wait.

(249 words)