Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Psalms 63

PSALM 63

Psa 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 (Is 26:9). The figurative terms--

dry and thirsty--literally, "weary," denoting moral destitution, suited his outward circumstances.

soul--and--flesh--the whole man (Psa 16:9, 10).

2. The special object of desire was God's perfections as displayed in his worship (Psa 27:4).

3. Experiencing God's mercy, which exceeds all the blessings of life, his lips will be opened for his praise (Psa 51:15).

4. Thus--literally, "Truly."

will I bless--praise Thee (Psa 34:1).

lift up my hands--in worship (compare Psa 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.

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 Psa 35:8).

shall go ... earth--into the grave, or, to death; as their bodies are represented as a portion for--

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 (Psa 62:4).