Mazmur 14:2

14:2 The Lord looks down from heaven ¹  at the human race, ² 

to see if there is anyone who is wise ³  and seeks God. ⁴ 

Mazmur 27:8

27:8 My heart tells me to pray to you, ⁵ 

and I do pray to you, O Lord. ⁶ 

[14:2]  ¹ sn The picture of the Lord looking down from heaven draws attention to his sovereignty over the world.

[14:2]  ² tn Heb “upon the sons of man.”

[14:2]  ³ tn Or “acts wisely.” The Hiphil is exhibitive.

[14:2]  ⁴ sn Anyone who is wise and seeks God refers to the person who seeks to have a relationship with God by obeying and worshiping him.

[27:8]  ⁵ tc Heb “concerning you my heart says, ‘Seek my face.’” The verb form “seek” is plural, but this makes no sense here, for the psalmist is addressed. The verb should be emended to a singular form. The first person pronominal suffix on “face” also makes little sense, unless it is the voice of the Lord he hears. His “heart” is viewed as speaking, however, so it is better to emend the form to פָּנָיו (panayv, “his face”).

[27:8]  ⁶ tn Heb “your face, O Lord, I seek.” To “seek the Lord’s face” means to seek his favor through prayer (see 2 Sam 21:1; Pss 24:6; 105:4).