Psalms 63 Commentary
David is in the Desert of Judah. He is thirsty as normally expected under these conditions. Water is the most important commodity in the desert. But David doesn’t have it.
The graphics used in this psalm draw us the thoughts of dependence on the LORD. But they also emphasize another important concept. Humanity’s greatest need may not always be what we think it is. Water should be a life-supporting element of creation but it isn’t David’s greatest need.
This psalm is inviting the saint to reflect on their needs. These needs may be represented by various physical elements of creation. But beneath all of it is man’s need for the LORD God. In a way, humanity’s need for the LORD God is sufficiently represented by these physical needs.
“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 8 verse 3.
Thirst, like hunger, is caused by God but humanity must understand that the real need is for God and not water or food. The psalm also encourages the saint to have the same intensity in their longing for the LORD God.
The picture changes from the desert to the Sanctuary. This life-supporting element can actually be found. Unlike the desert, the Sanctuary is God’s dwelling place. The New Testament saint knows the physical church building isn’t exactly the Sanctuary. Therefore, humanity’s greatest need cannot be fulfilled by attending church services. The solution to life’s greatest need is in finding the water of life.
The LORD Jesus Christ is the water of life.
The graphics change again. David is now talking about the death threats on his life. Those who want to kill him will be destroyed. Thirsty and hunger are real and direct threats to life. Like David’s physical enemies, these too will be destroyed.
We have pointers to blessed immortality in the presence of the eternal God, exactly as originally designed in the Garden of peace and tranquility.
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