Psalm 63 Bible Commentary

Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown

(Read all of Psalm 63)

Ps 63:1-11. The historical occasion referred to by the title was probably during Absalom's rebellion (compare 2Sa 15:23, 28; 16:2). David expresses an earnest desire for God's favor, and a confident expectation of realizing it in his deliverance and the ruin of his enemies.

1. early . . . seek thee--earnestly (Isa 26:9). The figurative terms--
dry and thirsty--literally, "weary," denoting moral destitution, suited his outward circumstances.
soul--and--flesh--the whole man (Ps 16:9, 10).

2. The special object of desire was God's perfections as displayed in his worship (Ps 27:4).

3. Experiencing God's mercy, which exceeds all the blessings of life, his lips will be opened for his praise (Ps 51:15).

4. Thus--literally, "Truly."
will I bless--praise Thee (Ps 34:1).
lift up my hands--in worship (compare Ps 28:2).
in thy name--in praise of Thy perfections.

5-8. Full spiritual blessings satisfy his desires, and acts of praise fill his thoughts and time.

6. night--as well as day. Past favors assure him of future, and hence he presses earnestly near to God, whose power sustains him (Ps 17:8; 60:5).

9, 10. those . . . to destroy it--or literally, "to ruin," or, "for ruin"; that is, such as seek to injure me (are) for ruin, appointed to it (compare Ps 35:8).
shall go . . . earth--into the grave, or, to death; as their bodies are represented as a portion for--

10. foxes--literally, "jackals."

11. the king--that is, David himself, and all who reverence God, "shall share a glorious part," while treacherous foes shall be for ever silenced (Ps 62:4).