Whom Shall I Fear?

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.” -Psalm 27:1–2

Though the psalm ends with another petition for the Lord to deliver him from his enemies, it is wholly a psalm of confident trust in the Lord. The Lord is David’s light, salvation, and stronghold; and therefore, there is no one to fear. 

The word light comes from the Hebrew word, אוֹר ʾôwr, ore, meaning illumination or luminary. It can be translated bright, clear, clear day, light, lightning, morning, or sun. And it can be used metaphorically for happiness. In this context, it seems to have the sense of cheerful illumination.

The word salvation comes from the Hebrew word, יֵשַׁע yêshaʿ, yay´-shah, and means liberty, deliverance, or prosperity. It is often translated as safety, salvation, or saving.

Finally, the word stronghold comes from the Hebrew word, mâʿûz, maw-ooz´ and means a fortified place or a defence. It is frequently translated force, fort or fortress, rock, strength or strengthen, and stronghold.

All of this is the language of a warrior. Since the Lord is David’s clear vision, his savior, and his place of safety and protection, he is in the best possible situation for battle against his enemies. He has every advantage possible and therefore no reason whatsoever to fear the enemy. 

That’s why Paul could say to Timothy, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” -2 Corinthians 1:20–22