Psalm 63 Study Notes

Ps 63 title The historical setting for this psalm has less detail than other psalms and could refer to David’s flight from Saul or from Absalom (1Sm 23:14; 24:2; 2Sm 16:14; 17:2,29).

63:1 On the connection between drought conditions and longing for the Lord, see note at 42:1-2.

63:2 Gaze on you in the sanctuary is probably not a theophany but is similar to the idiom “looking to God” for help in the sense of trusting him (see note at 34:4-5).

63:3-4 Lifting up hands is a gesture for praying (see note at 28:2).

63:5 Rich food is a combination of two Hebrew words for “fat,” implying being satisfied beyond one’s need. Fat represents prosperity in the OT (73:7; Dt 32:15; Jr 5:28).

63:6 On meditate (Hb hgh), see note at 1:2.

63:7 On shadow of your wings, see notes at 17:8; 27:5.

63:8 The right hand represented strength and the place from which the Lord protected and helped his people (see note at 16:8).

63:9 The depths of the earth is another way of describing Sheol or death (86:13; Is 44:23; Ezk 26:20).

63:10 The first line is literally “they will be poured out on the hands of the sword,” where “hands” refers to power. This is a more intensive way of expressing the idea of the psalmist’s enemies receiving what was coming to them (Jr 18:21; Ezk 35:5).

63:11 Swear by him is a way of saying that the Lord is the only source of security. It is essentially another way of describing a person’s trust in God. The Lord’s people are to boast only because they know him (see notes at 34:1-3; 52:1).