Psalms 27

1 Yhwh is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Yhwh is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

A psalm of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation! How could anyone scare me? The Lord is my life's fortress! How could anyone terrify me?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

When evil people come at me to tear me apart, it's my enemies, those who are against me, they're the ones who trip and fall.

3 Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

Even if an army surrounds me, I won't be frightened. Even if I am attacked, I will still trust in God.

4 One thing have I desired of Yhwh, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of Yhwh all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of Yhwh, and to enquire in his temple.

I only ask the Lord for one thing: I just want to live in the house of the Lord throughout my life, contemplating the Lord's goodness and thinking about his Temple.

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.

When troubles come he will protect me and keep me safe, hiding me in his house, as secure as if he'd placed me on a high rock.

6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto Yhwh.

He will hold my head high over my enemies who are all around me. I shall offer sacrifices in his house with shouts of joy, and I will sing praises to the Lord.

7 Hear, O Yhwh, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

Listen to me, Lord, when I call for help. Be gracious and answer me.

8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Yhwh, will I seek.

You told me, “Come to me.” I am coming to you, Lord.

9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Don't refuse to talk to me. Don't be angry with your servant and turn away. You are the one who helps me, so please don't reject me and abandon me, God of my salvation.

10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then Yhwh will take me up.

Even if my father and my mother abandon me, the Lord will take care of me.

11 Teach me thy way, O Yhwh, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Lord, teach me your way and lead me along the right path, because my enemies are against me—

12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

don't hand me over to them and their evil intentions, for they are making false accusations against me and threatening me with violence.

13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of Yhwh in the land of the living.

However, I'm absolutely sure that I will see the Lord's goodness even in this life.

14 Wait on Yhwh: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on Yhwh.

Trust in the Lord! Be confident—he will give you courage! Trust in the Lord!