Psalms 27:9

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּסְתֵּ֬ר

H5641

Hide

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

פָּנֶ֨יךָ׀

H6440

not thy face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מִמֶּנִּי֮

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אַֽל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּט

H5186

away

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

בְּאַ֗ף

H639

in anger

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

עַ֫בְדֶּ֥ךָ

H5650

not thy servant

a servant

עֶזְרָתִ֥י

H5833

thou hast been my help

aid

#10

הָיִ֑יתָ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#11

אַֽל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#12

תִּטְּשֵׁ֥נִי

H5203

leave

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

#13

וְאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#14

תַּֽ֝עַזְבֵ֗נִי

H5800

me not neither forsake

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

#15

אֱלֹהֵ֥י

H430

me O God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#16

יִשְׁעִֽי׃

H3468

of my salvation

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing salvation encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification in the ordo salutis and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show rescue narratives from ancient literature that would resonate with the audience, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of salvation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?