David first expresses his complete confidence and trust in his God (verses 1-6).
On this basis, he then feels free to present his petition for deliverance from his enemies (see verses 7-12).
Finally, he returns full-circle to the trust previously stated as the only proper attitude for one who must now wait for God to act (verses 13-14).
Verses 1-14:
This psalm is characterized by strong contrasts such as lament and laud; persecution and praise; plus warfare and worship.
In Psalm 27, the psalmist, in the presence of his LORD, engages in 3 conversations which help him balance the ups and downs of real life.
I. He Converses with Himself about Privileges (27:1-6);
II. He Converses with the LORD about Problems (27:7-12);
III. He Converses with Himself about Perseverance (27:13-14).
Psalm 27:1 The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
John tells us, that in Christ was life; and the life was the light of men; "but he adds that, the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:4-5
Psalm 27:2 When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
“Eat up my flesh”:
An allusion to the psalmist’s enemies being like vicious beasts (compare Psalms 7:2; 14:4; 17:12; Job 19:22; Jer. 30:16; 50:7)
“They stumbled and fell”:
These two words convey a thorough defeat.
Psalm 27:4 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 inquire in His temple.
This desire of which David speaks here, is the desire of all believers. This is our dearest wish, only we extend it to those days of our immortal life which have not yet dawned.The beauty of the Lord. In connection with these words, we would try to show that the character of God is attractive, and fitted to inspire us with love for Him, and to make us, as it were, run after Him.
Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock.
David's security, as our security, is in the LORD.
Jesus Christ is the Rock of foundation that we should build upon.
Psalm 27:8 When Thou saids, Seek ye My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
For you to seek the face of the LORD is to attend His house and ordinances, that is where He grants His presence.Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
"When my father and mother forsake me":
That is, the nearest and dearest friends.
Psalm 27:11 Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path.
His way. When one, through constant meditation therein, knows the way of God, and has learned the secret of the Lord, his own way is assured.
His way. When one, through constant meditation therein, knows the way of God, and has learned the secret of the Lord, his own way is assured.
Psalm 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
The words "I had fainted"......The psalmist refers to the state of mind produced by the efforts of his enemies to destroy him."
BooksOfTheBible/Charles Spurgeon
The words "I had fainted"......The psalmist refers to the state of mind produced by the efforts of his enemies to destroy him."
BooksOfTheBible/Charles Spurgeon

