Psalms – Chapter 27

Old Testament • 9 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 27 of Psalms begins: "A psalm for David himself. Unto thee will I cry, O Lord: O my God, be not thou silent to me: lest if thou be silent to me, I become like…" David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 9 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and prayer. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1A psalm for David himself. Unto thee will I cry, O Lord: O my God, be not thou silent to me: lest if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

2Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication, when I pray to thee; when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple.

3Draw me not away together with the wicked; and with the workers of iniquity destroy me not: Who speak peace with their neighbour, but evils are in their hearts.

4Give them according to their works, and according to the wickedness of their inventions. According to the works of their hands give thou to them: render to them their reward.

5Because they have not understood the works of the Lord, and the operations of his hands: thou shalt destroy them, and shalt not build them up.

6Blessed be the Lord, for he hath heard the voice of my supplication.

7The Lord is my helper and my protector: in him hath my heart confided, and I have been helped. And my flesh hath flourished again, and with my will I will give praise to him.

8The Lord is the strength of his people, and the protector of the salvation of his anointed.

9Save, O Lord, thy people, and bless thy inheritance: and rule them and exalt them for ever.

Important Verses in Psalms 27

“A psalm for David himself. Unto thee will I cry, O Lord: O my God, be not thou silent to me: lest if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.”

Psalms 27:1

“Because they have not understood the works of the Lord, and the operations of his hands: thou shalt destroy them, and shalt not build them up.”

Psalms 27:5

“The Lord is the strength of his people, and the protector of the salvation of his anointed.”

Psalms 27:8

Historical Context

Psalms addresses god's people at prayer in every age within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 27 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 9 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. It opens with the line: "A psalm for David himself. Unto thee will I cry, O Lord: O my God, be not thou silent to me: lest if thou be silent to…" It concludes: "Save, O Lord, thy people, and bless thy inheritance: and rule them and exalt them for ever. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "A psalm for David himself. Unto thee will I cry, O Lord: O my God, be not thou silent to me: lest if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into…" The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1362).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Psalms Chapter 27 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Psalms Chapter 27. At the moral level, the unity of Scripture and the Magisterium challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 756).

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1032).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 27 about?

Psalms 27 contains 9 verses. It opens with "A psalm for David himself. Unto thee will I cry, O Lord: O my God, be not thou silent to me: lest if thou be silent to…" and closes with "Save, O Lord, thy people, and bless thy inheritance: and rule them and exalt them for ever. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 27?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "A psalm for David himself. Unto thee will I cry, O Lord: O my God, be not thou silent to me: lest if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 27?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Chronicles 7Shares people and themes with this chapterIsaiah 38Shares people and themes with this chapterZechariah 12Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael🙏The Our Father🙏Morning Offering

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