“When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident” (Psalm 27:2,3).
King David was a veteran of many hard-fought campaigns. As we in America remember those who fought and died at Pearl Harbor, it might be helpful to reflect on David’s own reflections about his many battles.
In these two verses, David relishes the fact that his enemies (and by extension, the Lord’s enemies and typical of ours, as well), are being thwarted in their attempts to overcome him. All of their efforts to harm him or make him afraid, are turned back on them instead. The reason for David’s confidence and the ultimate source of his victory? “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?” (v.1). Note that “The LORD is” David’s light, salvation and strength (or defense).
Light: Darkness, in which an enemy could hide and attack by surprise is dispelled by Him. “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (I John 1:5).
Salvation: God will protect and deliver His children from danger. “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us” (Psalm 79:9).
Strength: Alone, we are weak, but He is a fortress when under attack, and a mighty Conqueror when on the offensive. “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God, in whom I will trust” (Psalm 18:1,2).
As veterans of either human and/or spiritual warfare, we can sing with David: “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (Psalm 18:3). JDM