Psalms 27:10
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't necessarily a literal accusation against David's parents, but rather a profound statement about the strength of God's love. David is using the deepest human bond as a comparison, highlighting that even if the unthinkable happened and his father and mother were to abandon him, the Lord's commitment would still hold firm. He's emphasizing that God's embrace is more certain and constant than any earthly relationship.
David expresses his profound trust in God by envisioning a scenario of ultimate earthly abandonment – even his own parents turning their backs on him. He declares that even in such an extreme situation, the Lord will gather him, protect him, and provide for him, highlighting God's love as superior to any human relationship. This statement follows his plea for God's guidance and protection from enemies, setting up a contrast between the unreliability of human aid and the steadfast faithfulness of God.
David uses his parents to express the deepest possible sense of abandonment. But was he literally saying his mom and dad left him?
The phrase "my father and my mother have forsaken me" is a powerful, almost proverbial expression in ancient Hebrew thought. It doesn't necessarily mean his actual parents, Jesse and his mother, had abandoned him in a literal sense. Instead, David is using the closest, most intimate human relationships as a symbol for the ultimate loss of all earthly support.
Think about it: who are the people you expect to love you unconditionally? For most of us, it's our parents. When David speaks of them forsaking him, he's describing a level of desolation so profound that even the bedrock of human affection has crumbled. It signifies a complete lack of refuge in the human realm.
In the face of utter abandonment, David finds an anchor. What does it mean for God to 'take us up'?
The beautiful counterpoint to David's despair is God's response: "but the LORD will take me in." This isn't just a passive acceptance; it's an active gathering, a taking-up.
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Imagine a helpless child left alone. "Taking up" implies God actively swooping in to rescue, to protect, to provide a home and a family for the forsaken. It speaks of divine adoption, of God personally gathering us into His care, especially when all other forms of help have vanished.
This act of God is meant to show us that His faithfulness and love are superior to any human bond. When our earthly foundations shake, God is the one who remains steadfast, ready to gather us to Himself.
Understand the original words
azab · Hebrew Verb
The act of leaving, abandoning, or deserting someone. Biblically, it is used to describe the pain of human rejection and the contrasting assurance that God will never desert those who belong to Him.
This Psalm was likely written during David's intense persecution by King Saul. The 'father and mother' who forsake him may refer to his closest human supporters or even symbolize the profound isolation and betrayal he felt, emphasizing that God's faithfulness is superior to any human relationship.
c. 1030 BC
David's Father Jesse Alive
David's father, Jesse, is alive and living in Bethlehem during the early part of David's life, though his relationship with David is not fully detailed.
c. 1020 BC— this verse
David Flees from Saul
David is on the run from King Saul, experiencing intense persecution and betrayal. This period of his life is marked by deep distress and reliance on God.
c. 1020 BC
David at Nob
David seeks refuge and supplies from the priests at Nob, highlighting his need for support during his flight. This event shows him seeking help from human institutions.
c. 1020 BC
David at Gath and Adullam
David flees to Gath and then establishes a refuge in the cave of Adullam. Here, his family seeks refuge with him, and he gathers followers.
c. 1017 BC
David as Outlaw King
David leads a band of outlaws, operating in the wilderness. His reliance on God is paramount as he faces constant danger and uncertainty.
c. 1010 BC
David Anointed King of Israel
After years of persecution and wandering, David is finally anointed King of Israel, fulfilling God's promises.
This passage directly parallels the psalm's sentiment by highlighting that even if a mother could forget her child, God's steadfast love and remembrance are far stronger and more enduring than the deepest human affection.
Matthew 10:37Jesus uses a similar, though contrasting, idea, stating that those who love father or mother more than Him are not worthy. This emphasizes that while Psalm 27:10 speaks of God's superior love when human love fails, Jesus calls for a love for Him that surpasses even the most natural and essential human bonds.
Luke 15:4-7The parable of the lost sheep illustrates God's proactive seeking and rejoicing when someone is found, mirroring the 'taking up' or 'gathering' that God does for those who feel abandoned, showing His active care for the vulnerable.
Romans 8:38-39This passage assures believers that no earthly circumstance, not even the failure of the most intimate relationships or powers, can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus, reinforcing the ultimate security found in Him.
cambridgePsalms 27:10: "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up."
10 . When my father &c.] Or, as R.V., For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but &c. A proverbial expression. (Comp. ‘ bereavement to my soul,’ Psalm 35:12 ). Though he is friendless and forsaken as a deserted child, Jehovah will adopt him and care for him. His love is stronger than that of the closest human relations. Cp. Isaiah 49:15 ; Psalm 103:13 .
clarkePsalms 27:10: "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up."
When my father and my mother forsake me - Or, more literally, "For my father and my mother have forsaken me; but the Lord hath gathered me up." My parents were my protectors for a time; but the Lord has been my Protector always. There is no time in which I do not fall under his merciful regards.
This verse isn't necessarily a literal accusation against David's parents, but rather a profound statement about the strength of God's love. David is using the deepest human bond as a comparison, highlighting that even if the unthinkable happened and his father and mother were to abandon him, the Lord's commitment would still hold firm. He's emphasizing that God's embrace is more certain and constant than any earthly relationship.
David expresses his profound trust in God by envisioning a scenario of ultimate earthly abandonment – even his own parents turning their backs on him. He declares that even in such an extreme situation, the Lord will gather him, protect him, and provide for him, highlighting God's love as superior to any human relationship. This statement follows his plea for God's guidance and protection from enemies, setting up a contrast between the unreliability of human aid and the steadfast faithfulness of God.
David expresses his profound trust in God by envisioning a scenario of ultimate earthly abandonment – even his own parents turning their backs on him. He declares that even in such an extreme situation, the Lord will gather him, protect him, and provide for him, highlighting God's love as superior to any human relationship. This statement follows his plea for God's guidance and protection from enemies, setting up a contrast between the unreliability of human aid and the steadfast faithfulness of God.
"For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in." — This verse isn't necessarily a literal accusation against David's parents, but rather a profound statement about the strength of God's love. David is using the deepest human bond as a comparison, hig…
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