Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 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). To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 2. The special object of desire was God's perfections as displayed in his worship (Ps 27:4).
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. 3. Experiencing God's mercy, which exceeds all the blessings of life, his lips will be opened for his praise (Ps 51:15).
Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. 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. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: 5-8. Full spiritual blessings satisfy his desires, and acts of praise fill his thoughts and time.
When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 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).
Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. 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— They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. 10. foxes—literally, "jackals."
But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped. 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). |
