Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · Psalms Chapter 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).