Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy Name (comp. Psalms 104:33 ; Psalms 146:2 ). The purpose of man's creation, the end of his being, his main employment throughout eternity, is the praise of God. read more
Because thy loving-kindness is better than life - Thy favor; thy mercy. This is of more value than life; more to be desired than life. Life is the most valued and valuable thing pertaining to this world which we can possess. See the notes at Job 2:4. But, above this, David valued the favor and friendship of God. If one or the other was to be sacrificed, he preferred that it should be his life; he would be willing to exchange that for the favor of God. Life was not desirable, life furnished no... read more
Thus will I bless thee while I live - In my life; or, as long as life lasts, will I praise thee. The word “thus” refers to the sentiment in the previous verse, meaning that as the result of his deep sense of the value of the loving kindness of God, he would praise him through all the remainder of his life, or would never cease to praise him. A true purpose of serving God embraces the whole of this life, and the whole of eternity. He who loves God, and who has any proper sense of his mercy, does... read more
Psalms 63:3. Because, &c. Here we see the reason of the psalmist’s thirst after God, as is expressed in the two preceding verses; thy loving-kindness is better than life That is, the discoveries and influences of thy grace and favour, which thou usually impartest to thy people in thy sanctuary, are more durable, and comfortable, and satisfactory than the present life, with all the imaginary advantages belonging to it. Mark well this declaration of the psalmist, reader. God’s... read more
Psalms 63:4. Thus will I bless thee That is, so as I have done, and have now said. As I have begun, I will go on: the present devout affections shall not pass away like the morning cloud, but shine more and more like the morning sun. Or, for this reason, being so sensible of the sweetness of thy favour; or, certainly, as the particle כן , cheen, is sometimes used. While I live I will persevere in this work of blessing and praising thee: it shall be an important part of the business... read more
Psalms 61-64 Longing for GodFar from home, weary, depressed and in danger, David seeks refuge and refreshment with God. He trusts that God will bring him safely back to Jerusalem and give him the strength to carry out his promise to lead God’s people in God’s ways (61:1-5). The people with him add their support to his request (6-7), and David responds that he will always remain faithful to his task (8).God alone is the strength of David’s assurance (62:1-2). David’s enemies think they can ruin... read more
lovingkindness = grace. praise = commend, or extol. Hebrew. ahabah ; used only by David and Solomon. read more
"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life,My lips shall praise thee.So will I bless thee while I live:I will lift up my hands in thy name.""Better than life" (Psalms 63:3). That God's lovingkindness toward those who enjoy fellowship in Him is indeed "better than life" is indeed attested by the thousands of martyrs through many centuries who have sealed with their blood the sacred truth of these blessed words. As Paul himself stated it, "I hold not my life of any account as dear unto... read more
Psalms 63:4. I will lift up my hands in thy name— i.e. "I will, in the most solemn manner, pay my adorations to thee, and render thee most grateful acknowledgments for thy benefits, as the only living and true God." read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 63:3
Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. The complete resignation of the psalmist, his sense of God's "loving kindness," and his desire to "praise," not to complain, are, under the circumstances, most wonderful, most admirable, and furnish a pattern to the Church in all ages. read more