Psalms 63:7

Commentary on Psalms 63:7 (KJV)

Psalm 63 is a heartfelt expression of David's longing for God, written while he was in the wilderness of Judah, likely fleeing from his son Absalom or King Saul. This verse, Psalms 63:7, encapsulates David's deep trust and confident joy in God, despite his desolate circumstances. It transitions from his intense spiritual thirst for God (verses 1-2) and praises for God's steadfast love (verses 3-6) to a declaration of security and rejoicing.

Context

The superscription of Psalm 63 indicates it is a "Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah." This setting is crucial for understanding the depth of David's reliance on God. Far from the sanctuary and the comforts of his kingdom, David finds his strength and solace solely in the Lord. His physical desolation mirrors a spiritual yearning, yet it is also the backdrop for his profound assurance. This contrasts sharply with the uncertainty of his physical surroundings, as seen in passages like 1 Samuel 23:14, where David was constantly on the run from Saul.

Key Themes

• Divine Help and Sustenance: The phrase "Because thou hast been my help" underscores God's consistent intervention and support in David's life. David's past experiences of God's faithfulness serve as a foundation for his present and future trust. This theme resonates with other scriptures that declare God as our ever-present aid, such as Psalm 46:1.
• Security in God's Protection: The beautiful imagery of "in the shadow of thy wings" evokes a sense of complete safety and refuge. This metaphor, often used in the Old Testament, portrays God as a protective parent bird sheltering its young under its wings from danger. It speaks to a deep, intimate, and secure relationship with the Almighty, a theme also found in Psalm 91:4.
• Joy in Adversity: Despite being in a wilderness, David declares, "will I rejoice." His joy is not dependent on his circumstances but on his relationship with God and the certainty of His protection. This is a profound spiritual truth: true joy stems from God's presence and faithfulness, not from external comforts. This mirrors the New Testament call to rejoice in the Lord always, as in Philippians 4:4.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "help" is ‘ezrah (עֶזְרָה), which signifies divine assistance, succor, or aid. It's a strong term indicating God's active intervention on behalf of His people. The phrase "shadow of thy wings" is betzel kenafeka (בְּצֵל כְּנָפֶיךָ). The Hebrew word kenafeka (wings) carries the connotation of protection, covering, and refuge, often used in the context of God's nurturing care. It's a vivid picture of being safely tucked away under the powerful, protective presence of God.

Practical Application

Psalms 63:7 offers timeless encouragement for believers facing their own "wilderness" seasons.

• Remember God's Past Faithfulness: Just as David recalled, "thou hast been my help," we are encouraged to remember instances where God has delivered or sustained us. This builds faith for present and future challenges.
• Seek Refuge in God: When fears or difficulties arise, we can consciously choose to take refuge "in the shadow of His wings." This involves trusting His sovereignty and finding peace in His presence, even when solutions are not immediately apparent.
• Cultivate Joy in the Lord: This verse teaches that joy is not merely an emotion dependent on circumstances, but a spiritual posture rooted in God's character and protection. We can choose to rejoice in the Lord regardless of our external situation, knowing He is our ultimate help and refuge. This perspective can transform how we navigate trials, allowing us to experience the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).