Don’t hide your face from me. Don’t put your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Don’t abandon me, neither forsake me, God of my salvation.
Even the least hiding of the Lord's face is a great affliction to a believer, so I reject the translator's addition of "far", it weakens the prayer. A smile from the Lord is the greatest comfort; His frown the worst of ills. I plead for His continued favor, knowing He has upheld me through years of trial and that ingratitude to spiritual men is detestable.
AI summary
Hide not, &c.-- (Psa 4:6; Psa 22:24). Against rejection he pleads former mercy and love.
David does not simply declare God's mercy in hindsight; he fortifies himself against doubt by rehearsing what he knows God to be. The saints must wrestle with themselves, driving back the flesh's doubts, so they can pray with speed and cheer. This is how a man recovers from tempest and shouts triumph.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 27:1-14