Psalms 63:9. But those that seek my soul, &c.— Our version connects both parts of the verse. I rather think there are two distinct parts in it, as there are in all the other verses; and that the rendering should be, They shall be for destruction, who seek my life: they shall go into the lowest parts of the earth; i.e. That they themselves should be destroyed and brought down to the grave, who sought his destruction. Chandler. read more
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 Psalms 35:8). shall go . . . earth—into the grave, or, to death; as their bodies are represented as a portion for— read more
Psalms 63King David wrote this individual lament psalm when he was in the wilderness of Judah away from the ark and the place of formal worship (2 Samuel 15:25). This could have been when he was fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 23) or from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13-30). [Note: Kirkpatrick, pp. 352-53.] The theme of trust, which Psalms 61, 62 emphasize, reaches a climax in Psalms 63. Even though David was miles away from the ark, he still worshipped God."There may be other psalms that equal this... read more
2. David’s satisfaction with God 63:3-8 read more
God’s support and provision of safety were the immediate causes of David’s meditation and praise. Again David pictured himself as a bird under the wing of its mother and as a dependent infant held by its parent. read more
Reflecting on his God bolstered the king’s confidence that the Lord would preserve him in his present situation. David knew God would deliver him because God had elected him and had blessed him for his submission to the Lord’s will."Foxes" (Psalms 63:10) should probably be "jackals" here, since jackals are the ultimate scavengers and eat the remains of a kill that the larger predators reject. [Note: G. S. Cansdale, Animals of Bible Lands, pp. 124-26.] The same Hebrew word describes both animals. read more
3. David’s confidence in God 63:9-11 read more
Title.—A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.The writer of this Ps. is a king (Psalms 63:11), who is at a distance from the sanctuary, and in danger from eager foes. If the title be correct it must refer, not to David’s earlier experiences in the reign of Saul (1 Samuel 22:5), but to the time when his flight from Absalom led him through the wilderness of Judah, between Jerusalem and the Jordan (2 Samuel 15:23-28). His longing for God’s presence (Psalms 63:1-2) passes into... read more
(8) My soul . . .—Literally, my soul cleaved after thee, combining two ideas. (Comp. Jeremiah 42:16.) The English phrase, “hung upon thee” (comp. Prayer-Book version), exactly expresses it.For “depths,” or “abysses of the earth,” comp. Psalms 139:15; Ephesians 4:9. It means the under world of the dead. read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 63:8
Psalms 63:8. My soul followeth hard after thee— My soul hath kept close,—hath adhered to thee. The Psalmist means that his soul adhered to God with the warmest affection, and longed to offer up his sacrifices of praise in his sanctuary. read more