63:title A psalm of David See note on 3:title.

when he was in the wilderness of Judah May refer to David’s flight from Saul (1 Sam 23) or Absalom (2 Sam 15:13–30).

David and the Psalm Titles

O God, you are my God The psalmist affirms his relationship with God. See Ps 22:1 and note; 30:2 and note.

My soul thirsts for you The psalmist illustrates his desire for God’s sustaining presence (see 36:8–9).

without water The psalmist’s description of his longing for God is intensified by the imagery of a barren wilderness.

63:2 I have seen you in the sanctuary The psalmist desires God because he has seen God’s glory and power and knows that nothing is of greater worth. These attributes are evident in God’s sanctuary (qodesh; see note on 60:6) or temple, the representation of His presence (see 11:4 and note; 26:8 and note; 43:3 and note).

63:3 your loyal love is better See 25:10 and note; Exod 15:13 and note. The psalmist shows his confidence in God by trusting in God’s chesed over his own life.

Chesed Word Study

63:4 while I live See Ps 104:33 and note.

I will lift up my hands A posture of worship (see 134:2). The psalmist’s confidence in God’s steadfast love leads him to worship God.

63:5 will be satisfied Describes the satisfaction found in God.

the best and richest food God more than satisfies the psalmist’s thirst (v. 1); a rich banquet fills his soul.

63:6 I remember you on my bed At night, the psalmist is comforted by remembering God’s faithful protection.

63:7 in the shadow of your wings An image of God’s protection. See note on Ruth 2:12.

I will sing for joy A reaction to God’s protection. See note on Ps 33:1.

63:8 your right hand upholds me Represents God’s power and authority. See 17:7 and note; and Isa 41:10 and note.

63:9 into the depths of the earth The underworld according to Hebrew thought, described using the Hebrew word she’ol, was viewed as a pit in the depths of the earth.

63:10 the sword The psalmist is confident that God will deliver him by destroying his enemies.

a portion for jackals Alludes to a ruined or desolate place (see Ps 44:19 and note). The psalmist indicates that his enemies will be left for dead to be eaten by jackals (see Jer 7:33 and note).

63:11 the king will rejoice in God By destroying the wicked, God protects His people and His anointed king (see Ps 20:6 and note).

who swears an oath by him Swearing by God’s name was a means of expressing loyalty and trust in Him (see Deut 6:13 and note). The psalmist is assured that those who swear by God will not be disappointed.