Commentary Critical And Explanatory On The Whole Bible

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).