Psalms 27:1-3 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

We shall enter into the spirit of this most lovely Psalm with double delight, if, as it refers so highly to Christ, we keep him in view through the whole of it. And that it is Jesus who is principally intended by what is here said, is most evident from this very passage at the opening of it; for we never read in the life of David of the stumbling of his enemies before his face. But we see this most strikingly displayed in the life of Christ. To stumble and fall at the sight of another, is a peculiarity of expression deserving our attention, because it should seem as if the Holy Ghost by it would direct the church to the Lord Christ. David conquered, through the Lord, a host of foes, it is true; but never did the mere speaking of a man cause others to fall, until in the garden, when the band of men and officers, with the wicked Judas, went to apprehend, Christ, they, at a word speaking, went backward, and fell to the ground. Reader, think of this; and consider how frequently, during the Lord Christ's exercising his ministry upon earth, the power of the Godhead broke forth through the veil of that flesh, which was marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men. John 18:3-6. And, Reader, make a double improvement of this sweet scripture. First, let it teach thee, that this Psalm plainly and decidedly points to Jesus. And secondly, ask yourself what greater testimony you would require of the Godhead of Christ, than the moment of his life to which this refers. Was it ever heard, in all the histories of wars, that the voice of a whole army caused others to fall backward on the ground? And yet this was wrought by Christ in such a season. What a confirmation of that prophecy, He shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isaiah 11:4. Precious Jesus, how animating it is to thy faithful followers, when, under the leadings and guidings of thy Holy Spirit, they are enabled to discover here and there in the scriptures, and in places least expected by them, such incontestible evidences of thy glorious person and Godhead.