What does it mean that “the Lord is my light and my salvation” (Psalm 27:1)?

Answer

Psalm 27, a psalm written by David, exemplifies Hebrew poetry. One characteristic of Hebrew poetry that stands out in this psalm is synonymous parallelism. For instance, in the initial verse of Psalm 27, the primary concept and structure of the first line mirror those of the second line, as illustrated below:

Line 1: The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?

Line 2: The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

Both the first and second lines center on the Lord. In the first line, David portrays the Lord as his light and salvation. In the second line, David portrays the Lord as his stronghold or refuge. Both lines conclude with the same question expressed in slightly different terms. This parallelism enables a deeper comprehension of the first line by considering the immediate context of the second, and vice versa.

A stronghold or refuge served as a place of safety during a siege. Individuals such as farmers and laborers outside the city were especially vulnerable to attacks since they lacked the protection of the city walls (Nehemiah 2:17;cf: Joshua 6:1-21). Therefore, these individuals would seek refuge and protection within the city when faced with battle. Many cities also featured a strong tower, providing an additional layer of defense. The strong tower shielded those inside and helped outsiders locate the city during impending battles, as seen in Proverbs 18:10. The security within the stronghold is why David can pose the question in Psalm 27:1, “Of whom shall I be afraid?”

Just as God is a stronghold for David, He also serves as David’s light and salvation. Light is essential for perceiving and understanding one’s surroundings amidst darkness. The concept of “light” isOften used in Scripture as a metaphor for one’s deliverance, such as in Psalm 27:1. Whenever Jesus makes the claim, “I am the light of the world” «Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. », (John 8:12), He is asserting that deliverance from darkness comes through Him. Salvation, as depicted in Psalm 27:1, can also be viewed as deliverance. David uses three terms to portray God as the Deliverer: light, salvation, and stronghold. If God is David’s Deliverer, whom should he fear?

According to the context of Psalm 27:1, David appears to be portraying God as the Deliverer from physical enemies (verses 2–3). However, the Christian has also been granted salvation and deliverance from his or her enemies. If you have faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-5), then God has redeemed you. He has transferred you from the domain or authority of darkness to the kingdom of Jesus (Colossians 1:13-14). Through Christ’s provision, the Christian has been equipped for protection through the “full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-17).

Just as David can declare God is his light and salvation from the enemies surrounding him, the Christian can affirm God is his light and salvation from the domain of darkness and eternal judgment (Ephesians 2:1-10). “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” «For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.», Romans 6:23.