What does Psalm 63:9 mean?
This song was composed in reference to David's evacuation during a rebellion (2 Samuel 15:13–14; 16:14; 17:27–29). Despite the danger, David expresses confidence in the Lord. He fully expects his enemies to be defeated. Figures of speech such as "go down into the depths of the earth" imply dead bodies in the grave. These are much like English expressions implying someone will be "buried" or "wind up six feet under." The Hebrew terms used are general and refer to the "lowest places." This connects to the Old Testament view of sheol: the underworld of the dead (Genesis 37:35; Psalm 55:15).David believed in God's justice. He knew the Lord would judge those who lied about him and tried to kill him (Psalm 35). He declined to take justice into his own hands but left it in God's good timing. Ultimately, God did execute judgment on David's enemies. Second Samuel 18:6–8 reports that David's men killed thousands of the rebels' opposing army. Someday, those who oppose Jesus, the chief descendant of David, will feel the rod of God's punishment. Jude 1:14–15 predicts, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousand of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him."
Psalm 63:9–11 concludes by contrasting two different fates. One is the doom of David's enemies, who oppose the Lord's will and tell lies (2 Samuel 15:13–14). The other destiny is that of David and his loyal followers. Enemies can expect death and disaster, while David and other godly people anticipate celebration in victory.
David longs to know God the same way a man wishes for water and rest when wandering in the desert. Praise to God is as satisfying as eating rich foods. David trusts entirely in the Lord and His protection. The enemies who seek David's throne will be defeated; in his confidence David plans to rejoice when this occurs. This psalm was inspired by David's hasty retreat from Absalom's rebellion, through the wilderness (2 Samuel 17:27–29).
