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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 63, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.] O God, thou {art} my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; {thirsty: Heb. weary} {where...: without water}
Psalms 63:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 To see thy power and thy glory, so {as} I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
Psalms 63:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 Because thy lovingkindness {is} better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Psalms 63:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
Psalms 63:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 My soul shall be satisfied as {with} marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise {thee} with joyful lips: {marrow: Heb. fatness}
Psalms 63:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 When I remember thee upon my bed, {and} meditate on thee in the {night} watches.
Psalms 63:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
Psalms 63:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
Psalms 63:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 But those {that} seek my soul, to destroy {it}, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
Psalms 63:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. {They shall fall...: Heb. They shall make him run out like water by the hands of}
Psalms 63:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
Psalms 63:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.