Psalms
Chapter 63
1
1 A psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
2
O God, you are my God-- for you I long! For you my body yearns; for you my soul thirsts, Like a land parched, lifeless, and without water.
3
So I look to you in the sanctuary to see your power and glory.
4
2 For your love is better than life; my lips offer you worship!
5
I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on your name.
6
My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise, with joyous lips my mouth shall honor you!
7
When I think of you upon my bed, through the night watches I will recall
8
That you indeed are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
9
My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.
10
But those who seek my life will come to ruin; they shall go down to the depths of the earth!
11
They shall be handed over to the sword and become the prey of jackals!
12
3 But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by the Lord shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut!
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Footnotes

1 [Psalm 63] A psalm expressing the intimate relationship between God and the worshiper. Separated from God (Psalm 63:2), the psalmist longs for the divine life given in the temple (Psalm 63:3-6), which is based on a close relationship with God (Psalm 63:7-9). May all my enemies be destroyed and God's true worshipers continue in giving praise (Psalm 63:10-11)!

2 [4] For your love is better than life: only here in the Old Testament is anything prized above life--in this case God's love.

3 [12] All who swear by the Lord: to swear by a particular god meant that one was a worshiper of that god (Isaiah 45:23; 48:1; Zephaniah 1:5).


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