Did David’s Parents Forsake Him?
(Psalm 27:10)
Mike Johnson
Many think Psalm 27 was written by David when he was fleeing from Saul. In verses 1-3, he expresses his complete confidence in God. In verses 4-6, he speaks of his love and communion with God, and then in verses 7-12, we see where David turns to God in prayer, asking for God’s mercy and favor. In verse 10, further indicating his confidence, he states, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” Did David’s father and mother forsake him? We will look at this and consider some applications.
Some translations say “when” or “though,” while others (NASB, ESV) say, “For my father and my mother have forsaken me.” Thus, he is speaking hypothetically with some translations, while others are saying they had forsaken him. In 1 Samuel 22:1-5, though, we learn that David took care of his parents, leaving them in Moab when fleeing from Saul. With that in mind, some scholars think David just felt forsaken, while others believe there had been a rift between him and his parents. The most plausible position, however, is that he is speaking hypothetically, i.e., even if someone as close as his parents forsook him, he would still have God caring for him. If that is true of parents, it would also apply to others with whom he is close. Consider an explanation by John Gill.
Which is not to be understood strictly and literally of his parents, that were in that near relation to him according to the flesh, nor of anything that had past. . .but this is to be understood of something supposed yet to come; and it seems best to interpret it of his nearest and dearest friends, his closest adherents, best counsellors, and most firm allies; that when they should fail and drop him, his God would not leave him: the design of it is to set forth the love and care of God, as superior to that of the most affectionate friends.” (from John Gill’s Exposition of the Old and New Testaments)
Did David’s parents forsake him? They may have, or it may be he felt abandoned by them when on the run. Most probable, he is speaking hypothetically. Regardless, It would be terrible to be forsaken by our parents, and it would not be easy if our close friends and associates left us. No matter what, David knew God would take care of him, and we know He will take care of us. Consider some assurances from other passages. 1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us, for example, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” Also, Hebrews 13:5-6 says, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper;I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”
Today, we can have the same assurances as David. God will take care of us. We may not always understand how He does, but we can have complete confidence in His boundless care.