Berean Standard Bible · Public domain

Psalm 63

Israel’s prayers give language for praise, grief, repentance, and trust. Poetry uses imagery and parallel lines; each psalm should be read as a whole rather than as a detached promise.

Historical context & book outline

1A Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water.

2So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory.

3Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You.

4So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands.

5My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You.

6When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night.

7For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.

8My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.

9But those who seek my life to destroy it will go into the depths of the earth.

10They will fall to the power of the sword; they will become a portion for foxes.

11But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by Him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut.

Read closely

  1. What repeated words, contrasts, or actions stand out in this chapter?
  2. How does this chapter fit the surrounding chapters and the book’s purpose?
  3. What did it communicate to its first hearers, before applying it to your life?