Once more the consciousness of difference and the resolve not to be like such men break forth in the closing couple of verses. The psalm began with the profession that he had walked in his integrity; it ends with the vow that he will. It had begun with the prayer "Judge me"; it ends with the expansion of it into "Redeem me"--_i.e._, from existing dangers, from evil-doers, or from their fate--and "Be gracious unto me," the positive side of the same petition. He who purposes to walk uprightly has the right to expect God's delivering and giving hand to be extended to him. The resolve to walk uprightly unaccompanied with the prayer for that hand to hold up is as rash as the prayer without the resolve is vain. But if these two go together, quiet confidence will steal into the heart; and though there be no change in circumstances, the mood of mind will be so soothed and lightened that the suppliant will feel that he has suddenly emerged from the steep gorge where he had been struggling and shut up, and stands on the level ground of the "shining table-lands, whereof our God Himself is sun and moon." Such peaceful foretaste of coming security is the forerunner which visits the faithful heart. Gladdened by it, the psalmist is sure that his desire of compassing God's altar with praise will be fulfilled, and that, instead of compulsory association with the "congregation of evil-doers," he will bless Jehovah "in the congregations" where His name is loved and find himself among those who, like himself, delight in His praise. PSALM XXVII. 1 Jehovah is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? Jehovah is the fortress of my life; for whom should I tremble? 2 When evil-doers drew near against me, to devour my flesh, My oppressors and my foes, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though a host encamp against me, My heart fears not; Though war rises against me, Even then am I confident. 4 One thing have I asked from Jehovah; that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life, To gaze upon the pleasantness of Jehovah and to meditate in His palace. 5 For He will hide me in a bower in the day of evil; He will secrete me in the secret of His tent; On a rock will He lift me. 6 And now shall my head be lifted above my foes around me, And I will sacrifice in His tent sacrifices of joy; I will sing and I will harp to Jehovah. 7 Hear, Jehovah, when I cry with my voice; And be gracious to me, and answer me. 8 To Thee hath my heart said, (when Thou saidst) "Seek ye my face"; That face of Thine, Jehovah, will I seek. 9 Hide not Thy face from me: Repulse not Thy servant in anger; My help Thou hast been: Cast me not off, and forsake me not, O God of my salvation 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me; But Jehovah will take me up.