Psalms 27:13 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

I had fainted: these words are added to complete the sense; for the speech is abrupt and imperfect, as is very usual, not only in the Holy Scripture, but in many other authors, in all vehement passions or commotions of mind, such as David was in at this time. Having declared what perfidious and cruel enemies did now assault and encompass him, he now subjoins what impression the thoughts thereof made upon him, and speaks like one that wanted words to express how sad and desperate his condition would have been, if he had not been supported by faith in God's promises. To see the goodness of the Lord; to enjoy (which is oft expressed by seeing) the mercy which God hath promised me. In the land of the living, i.e. in this world, which is oft so called, as Job 28:13 Psalms 52:5, Psalms 116:9 142:5 Isaiah 38:11, Isaiah 53:8 Jeremiah 11:9 Ezekiel 32:32, and is opposed to the grave, which is the place of the dead. And David was thus earnestly desirous of this mercy in this life, not because he placed his portion in these things, which he so solemnly disclaims, Psalms 17:14, but because the truth and glory of God were highly concerned in making good the promise of the kingdom made to him.