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    Head Lifted, Heart Singing

    Psalm 27:6 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD."
    — Psalm 27:6 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Two verses after 'one thing have I desired' (v. 4), David moves from longing to celebration. Verse 6 is the fruit of v. 5's hiding — the head once bowed in trouble is now lifted above the enemies, and worship erupts.

    Historical Context

    The lifting of the head is ancient covenant imagery (Gen 40:13; Ps 3:3) for vindication and restoration. David, hidden in God's pavilion (v. 5), foresees the day God lifts his head above his enemies and responds with sung sacrifice.

    Original Language Insights

    'Sacrifices of joy' (zivchei teruah) — sacrifices accompanied by a shout of joy. Worship that erupts, not merely whispers.

    'I will sing, yea, I will sing' (ashirah va-azammerah) — Hebrew doubling for intensity; joy demanded repetition.

    Theological Significance

    Worship is the proper end of deliverance. God shelters us (v. 5) not for our private comfort but for sung praise (v. 6). The one-thing-desired soul (v. 4) becomes the singing soul (v. 6).

    Practical Application

    Don't let answered prayer pass without sung response. When God lifts your head above a trouble, gather with God's people and sing aloud — sacrifice of joy is the natural reply to v. 5's hiding.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Psalm 27:4

    "One thing have I desired… to dwell in the house of the LORD."

    Two verses earlier — the longing of v. 4 leads to the singing of v. 6 once God has hidden and lifted His servant.

    Psalm 3:3

    "Thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."

    Same head-lifting language — God's signature work in the life of His persecuted servants.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, lift my head and loose my song. I offer the sacrifice of joy in Your house today. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why call singing a 'sacrifice'?

    Because worship costs something — time, focus, public exposure of joy. Hebrews 13:15 calls it the 'sacrifice of praise,' a deliberate offering of the lips.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Psalms 27 verse by verse:

    Before · Psalm 27:4Exact verse

    One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

    Theme: Worship & Devotion

    Before · Psalm 27:4Exact verse

    One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

    Theme: Devotion & Worship

    Before · Psalm 27:5Exact verse

    For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

    Theme: Hidden in His Pavilion

    After · Psalm 27:13Exact verse

    I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

    Theme: Hope & Perseverance

    After · Psalm 27:14Exact verse

    Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

    Theme: Patience & Trust

    Nearest commentary in Psalms

    Later · 1 ch forward · Psalm 28:7Nearest chapter

    The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

    Theme: Praise & Worship

    Read Psalms 26No commentary yet
    Read Psalms 27 (full)Nearest commentary: Psalm 27:5
    Read Psalms 28Commentary: Psalm 28:7
    Previous commentary: Psalm 27:5Next commentary: Psalm 27:13

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Does the Bible Say About Music and Singing?

    The Bible commands believers to sing praise to God, use instruments in worship, and make melody in their hearts — music has been central to worship from the Psalms to the early church.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Worship?

    Worship is the heart's response of adoration, praise, and surrender to God — expressed through prayer, singing, giving, obedience, and all of life.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Music?

    Music is woven throughout Scripture as a primary expression of worship, praise, and prayer — from the Psalms to Paul's instruction to sing spiritual songs.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Music in Worship?

    Music is central to biblical worship — the Psalms are a songbook, instruments fill the temple, and believers are commanded to sing to the Lord. Music expresses praise, teaches truth, and connects the soul to God.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Psalm 46:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

    Psalm 27:1 – Meaning & Devotional

    "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

    Psalm 37:4 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    The Plague Stopped by Phinehas

    Phinehas' zealous act ends a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites at Peor.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    New Testament

    Earthquake Frees Paul and Silas in Philippi

    An earthquake shakes the prison at midnight as Paul and Silas sing, opening every door and loosing every chain.

    Read the miracle
    Power Over Nature
    Old Testament

    The Sun Stands Still

    At Joshua's command the sun stood still over Gibeon until Israel defeated her enemies.

    Read the miracle
    Resurrection
    New Testament

    The Raising of Lazarus

    After four days in the tomb, Lazarus came forth at the command of Jesus.

    Read the miracle

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