Psalms 63 – My Soul Thirsteth for Thee

David's longing for God in a dry and weary wilderness.

Psalms 63: My Soul Thirsts for God

Written while David was in the wilderness, this chapter (see the Psalms overview) opens with one of Scripture's most vivid pictures of longing: a soul thirsting for God like parched ground thirsts for water. From that image David moves to praise, blessing God with lifted hands and a satisfied heart.


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;

\\63:1\\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;

\\63:2\\To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

\\63:3\\Because thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

\\63:4\\Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

\\63:5\\My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

\\63:6\\When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

\\63:7\\Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

\\63:8\\My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

\\63:9\\But those that seek my soul to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

\\63:10\\They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.

\\63:11\\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.

The psalm closes on a note of confidence, contrasting the king's coming joy with the collapse of those who sought David's life. For more on its opening line, see <a href="/bible/wbt/psalms/chapter-63/1">Psalms 63:1</a>, and continue with <a href="/bible/wbt/psalms/chapter-64">Psalms 64</a>, another prayer for protection from enemies.