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Commentary on Psalms 63 verses 7–11
David, having expressed his desires towards God and his praises of him, here expresses his confidence in him and his joyful expectations from him (Psa 63:7): In the shadow of thy wings I will rejoice, alluding either to the wings of the cherubim stretched out over the ark of the covenant, between which God is said to dwell ("I will rejoice in thy oracles, and in covenant and communion with thee"), or to the wings of a fowl, under which the helpless young ones have shelter, as the eagle's young ones (Exo 19:4, Deu 32:11), which speaks the divine power, and the young ones of the common hen (Mat 23:37), which speaks more of divine tenderness. It is a phrase often used in the psalms (Psa 17:8; Psa 36:7; Psa 57:1; Psa 61:4; Psa 91:4), and no where else in this sense, except Rut 2:12, where Ruth, when she became a proselyte, is said to trust under the wings of the God of Israel. It is our duty to rejoice in the shadow of God's wings, which denotes our recourse to him by faith and prayer, as naturally as the chickens, when they are cold or frightened, run by instinct under the wings of the hen. It intimates also our reliance upon him as able and ready to help us and our refreshment and satisfaction in his care and protection. Having committed ourselves to God, we must be easy and pleased, and quiet from the fear of evil. Now let us see further,
I. What were the supports and encouragements of David's confidence in God. Two things were as props to that hope which the word of God was the only foundation of: -
1.His former experiences of God's power in relieving him: "Because thou hast been my help when other helps and helpers failed me, therefore I will still rejoice in thy salvation, will trust in thee for the future, and will do it with delight and holy joy. Thou hast been not only my helper, but my help;" for we could never have helped ourselves, nor could any creature have been helpful to us, but by him. Here we may set up our Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto the Lord has helped us, and must therefore resolve that we will never desert him, never distrust him, nor ever droop in our walking with him.
2.The present sense he had of God's grace carrying him on in these pursuits (Psa 63:8): My soul follows hard after thee, which speaks a very earnest desire and a serious vigorous endeavour to keep up communion with God; if we cannot always have God in our embraces, yet we must always have him in our eye, reaching forth towards him as our prize, Phi 3:14. To press hard after God is to follow him closely, as those that are afraid of losing the sight of him, and to follow him swiftly, as those that long to be with him. This David did, and he owns, to the glory of God, Thy right hand upholds me. God upheld him, (1.) Under his afflictions, that he might not sink under them. Underneath are the everlasting arms. (2.) In his devotions. God upheld him in his holy desires and pursuits, that he might not grow weary in well-doing. Those that follow hard after God would soon fail and faint if God's right hand did not uphold them. It is he that strengthens us in the pursuit of him, quickens our good affections, and comforts us while we have not yet attained what we are in the pursuit of. It is by the power of God (that is his right hand) that we are kept from falling. Now this was a great encouragement to the psalmist to hope that he would, in due time, give him that which he so earnestly desired, because he had by his grace wrought in him those desires and kept them up.
II. What it was that David triumphed in the hopes of.
1.That his enemies should be ruined, Psa 63:9, Psa 63:10. There were those that sought his soul to destroy it, not only his life (which they struck at, both to prevent his coming to the crown and because they envied and hated him for his wisdom, piety, and usefulness), but his soul, which they sought to destroy by banishing him from God's ordinances, which are the nourishment and support of the soul (so doing what they could to starve it), and by sending him to serve other gods, so doing what they could to poison it, Sa1 26:19. But he foresees and foretels, (1.) That they shall go into the lower parts of the earth, to the grave, to hell; their enmity to David would be their death and their damnation, their ruin, their eternal ruin. (2.) That they shall fall by the sword, by the sword of God's wrath and his justice, by the sword of man, Job 19:28, Job 19:29. They shall die a violent death, Rev 13:10. This was fulfilled in Saul, who fell by the sword, his own sword; David foretold this, yet he would not execute it when it was in the power of his hand, once and again; for precepts, not prophecies, are our rule. (3.) That they shall be a portion for foxes; either their dead bodies shall be a prey to ravenous beasts (Saul lay a good while unburied) or their houses and estates shall be a habitation for wild beasts, Isa 34:14. Such as this will be the doom of Christ's enemies, that oppose his kingdom and interest in the world; Bring them forth and slay them before me, Luk 19:27.
2.That he himself should gain his point at last (Psa 63:11), that he should be advanced to the throne to which he had been anointed: The king shall rejoice in God. (1.) He calls himself the king, because he knew himself to be so in the divine purpose and designation; thus Paul, while yet in the conflict, writes himself more than a conqueror, Rom 8:37. Believers are made kings, though they are not to have the dominion till the morning of the resurrection. (2.) He doubts not but that though he was now sowing in tears he should reap in joy. The king shall rejoice. (3.) He resolves to make God the Alpha and Omega of all his joys. He shall rejoice in God. Now this is applicable to the glories and joys of the exalted Redeemer. Messiah the Prince shall rejoice in God; he has already entered into the joy set before him, and his glory will be completed at his second coming. Two things would be the good effect of David's advancement: - [1.] It would be the consolation of his friends. Every one that swears to him (that is, to David), that comes into his interest and takes an oath of allegiance to him, shall glory in his success; or every one that swears by him (that is, by the blessed name of God, and not by any idol, Deu 6:13), and then it means all good people, that make a sincere and open profession of God's name; they shall glory in God; they shall glory in David's advancement. Those that fear thee will be glad when they see me. Those that heartily espouse the cause of Christ shall glory in its victory at last. If we suffer with him, we shall reign with him. [2.] It would be the confutation of his enemies: The mouth of those that speak lies, of Saul, and Doeg, and others that misrepresented David and insulted over him, as if his cause was desperate, shall be quite stopped; they shall not have one word more to say against him, but will be for ever silenced and shamed. Apply this to Christ's enemies, to those that speak lies to him, as all hypocrites do, that tell him they love him while their hearts are not with him; their mouth shall be stopped with that word, I know you not whence you are; they shall be for ever speechless, Mat 22:12. The mouths of those also that speak lies against him, that pervert the right ways of the Lord and speak ill of his holy religion, will be stopped in that day when the Lord shall come to reckon for all the hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. Christ's second coming will be the everlasting triumph of all his faithful friends and followers, who may therefore now triumph in the believing hopes of it.
Now let us turn our attention to the characteristic of fatness or richness of which David speaks intelligibly when he says, “Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness.” Before that he had said, “And may your whole burnt offering be made fat.” By this he means that the requirements for a sacrifice are that it be fat or rich, that it be glistening and that it be weighted with the sustenance inspired by faith and devotion and by the rich nourishment of the Word of God. Frequently we use the word fat or rich when we refer to something that is heavily and elaborately adorned, and to the finest victim as one that is not thin and scrawny. Wherefore we designate as “rich” a sacrifice that we desire to be regarded as the “finest.” We also have proof of this when we consult the prophetic passage in the Scriptures where fine cows are compared with years of fertility!
Why do we forget about wickedness? It is due to our remembrance of good things, due to our remembrance of God. If we continually remember God, we cannot remember those things also. For [he says], “When I remembered you on my bed, I thought on you in the morning dawn.” We ought then to have God always in remembrance, but then especially, when thought is undisturbed, when by means of that remembrance [one] is able to condemn himself, when he can retain [things] in memory. For in the daytime indeed, if we do remember, other cares and troubles entering in, drive the thought out again; but in the night it is possible to remember continually, when the soul is calm and at rest; when it is in the heaven, and under a serene sky. “The things that you say in your hearts you should grieve over on your beds,” he says. For it was indeed right to remember this throughout the day also. But inasmuch as you are always full of cares and distracted amid the things of this life, at least then remember God on your bed; at the morning dawn meditate on him.
"Because You have become my helper." For unless God aid our good works, they cannot be accomplished by us. And worthy things we ought to work: that is, as though in the light, since by Christ showing the way we work. Whosoever works evil things, in the night he works, not in the dawn; according to the Apostle, saying, "They that are drunken, in the night are drunken; and they that sleep, in the night do sleep; let us that are of the day, be sober." [1 Thessalonians 5:7-8] He exhorts us that after the day we should walk honestly: "As in the day, honestly let us walk." [Romans 13:13] And again, "You," he says, "are sons of light, and sons of day; we are not of night nor of darkness." [1 Thessalonians 5:5] Who are sons of night, and sons of darkness? They that work all evil things. To such a degree they are sons of night, that they fear lest the things which they work should be seen....No one therefore in the dawn works, except him that in Christ works. But he that while at leisure is mindful of Christ, on the Same does meditate in all his actions, and He is a helper to him in a good work, lest through his weakness he fail. "And in the covering of Your wings I will exult." I am cheerful in good works, because over me is the covering of Your wings. If you protect me not, forasmuch as I am a chicken, the kite will seize me. For our Lord Himself says in a certain place to that Jerusalem, a certain city, where He was crucified: "Jerusalem," He says, "Jerusalem, how often I have willed to gather your sons, as though a hen her chickens, and you would not." [Matthew 23:37] Little ones we are: therefore may God protect us under the shadow of His wings. What when we shall have grown greater? A good thing it is for us that even then He should protect us, so that under Him the greater, always we be chickens. For always He is greater, however much we may have grown. Let no one say, let Him protect me while I am a little one: as if sometime he would attain to such magnitude, as should be self-sufficient. Without the protection of God, nought you are. Alway by Him let us desire to be protected: then always in Him we shall have power to be great, if always under Him little we be. "And in the covering of Your wings I will exult."
Pure prayer such as is worthy of God, O disciple of God, is not uttered by means of compound words. Prayer that is worthy of God consists in this: that one gather in one’s mind from the entire world and not let it be secretly bound to anything; that one place it entirely at God’s disposal and forget, during the time of prayer, everything that is material, including one’s own self and the place where one is standing. One should be secretly swallowed up in the spirit of God, and one should clothe oneself in God at the time of prayer both outwardly and inwardly, set on fire with ardent love for him and entirely engulfed in his thoughts of God, entirely commingled in all of him, with the movements of one’s thoughts suffused with wondrous recollection of God, while the soul has gone out in love to seek him whom it loves, just as David said, “My soul has gone out after you.”
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SUMMARY
Psalms 63:7 is a profound declaration by David, penned in the desolate wilderness, that encapsulates his unwavering trust and triumphant joy in God. Despite his dire circumstances and physical vulnerability, David grounds his present confidence in God's past faithfulness, anticipating continued divine protection. This verse serves as a powerful testament to finding deep spiritual solace and exuberant hope not in external comforts or security, but in the intimate, sheltering presence of the Almighty. It is a pivotal expression of faith that transcends physical hardship, pointing to a joy rooted solely in God's character and steadfast love.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 63:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Metaphor, specifically in the phrase "in the shadow of thy wings." This vivid image transforms God into a protective, nurturing bird, offering refuge and safety under His powerful wings. It evokes a sense of intimate care and impenetrable security, contrasting sharply with David's vulnerable state in the wilderness. This metaphor is deeply comforting and speaks to a personal, relational aspect of God's protection. The verse also exhibits Cause and Effect or Logical Consequence, where David's past experience of God's "help" (the cause) directly leads to his present and future decision to "rejoice" in God's protection (the effect). This logical flow underscores the rational basis of David's faith, grounded in God's proven character. Furthermore, there is a subtle Parallelism between God's "help" and the "shadow of thy wings," both referring to aspects of divine assistance and protection, reinforcing the central theme of God as David's ultimate deliverer and refuge.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 63:7 beautifully articulates the profound theological truth that God is an ever-present, active helper and protector for His people. It teaches that genuine spiritual joy is not contingent upon favorable circumstances but springs from an unwavering trust in God's character and His proven faithfulness. David's experience in the wilderness becomes a universal paradigm for believers facing their own "dry and thirsty lands," demonstrating that true security and profound rejoicing are found in drawing near to God and taking refuge in His sovereign care. This verse underscores the relational nature of God's protection, inviting believers into an intimate place of safety under His "wings," a place where fear is dispelled by divine love and power.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 63:7 offers timeless encouragement and a profound model for navigating life's inevitable wilderness seasons. It challenges us to shift our focus from our immediate, often challenging, circumstances to the unchanging character and proven faithfulness of God. When we recall how God has "been our help" in the past—His deliverances, provisions, and comforts—it builds a reservoir of faith, empowering us to trust Him with present and future trials. The imagery of finding refuge "in the shadow of His wings" invites us into a conscious act of surrender and dependence, choosing to dwell in His presence and under His protection, even when the world around us feels chaotic or threatening. This verse teaches us that true joy is not merely an emotion dictated by external events, but a spiritual posture, a deliberate choice to rejoice in the Lord regardless of our situation. By cultivating this deep-seated, God-dependent joy, we can experience a peace that transcends understanding, transforming our trials into opportunities for deeper intimacy with our faithful Protector.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the shadow of thy wings" mean in a practical sense for believers today?
Answer: For believers today, "the shadow of thy wings" represents God's comprehensive, intimate, and secure protection. Practically, it means finding refuge and peace in God's presence and sovereignty during times of trouble, fear, or uncertainty. It involves consciously trusting that God is watching over us, providing for us, and defending us, much like a mother bird shelters her young. This can manifest as finding comfort in prayer, meditating on God's promises in His Word (e.g., Psalms 27:5), resting in His control over all circumstances, and experiencing His peace even amidst chaos (e.g., Philippians 4:6-7). It's a spiritual posture of dependence and security in Him, acknowledging His supreme authority and loving care over every aspect of our lives.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 63:7, with its declaration of God as "my help" and the refuge found "in the shadow of thy wings," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's help, the One through whom divine assistance is fully extended to humanity. Just as David fled to God for safety, humanity, lost in sin, finds its only true refuge in Christ. Jesus Himself lamented over Jerusalem, expressing His desire to gather them "as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings" (Matthew 23:37), a direct echo of this Old Testament imagery, revealing His tender, protective heart. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became our ultimate help, delivering us from the power of sin and death (Romans 5:6-8). Believers are now invited to dwell "in Christ" (John 15:4), a spiritual reality that surpasses the physical shadow of wings, offering complete security, eternal life, and an unshakeable joy that the world cannot give or take away (John 16:22). Our rejoicing, therefore, is not merely in God's general protection, but specifically in the finished work of Christ, who is our ever-present help and our eternal refuge, the very "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).