King James Bible
"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?"
David declares God as both illumination in darkness and deliverance from danger, two fundamental needs in ancient warfare and daily life. These twin metaphors establish God as the source of both guidance and rescue, providing comprehensive protection. This rhetorical question flows from the first declaration—if God provides light and salvation, no earthly threat warrants fear. The question challenges the reader to consider whether any enemy can overpower the One who enlightens and delivers. Moving beyond external deliverance, David identifies God as his life's sustaining power or fortress. This Hebrew phrase suggests God is the stronghold that preserves life itself, not merely a helper in crisis. The parallel rhetorical question reinforces the psalm's central claim through repetition, a common Hebrew poetic device. By restating the challenge, David emphasizes that God's protection renders all threats—whether human enemies or spiritual forces—ultimately powerless.