Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
David fled into Judah's wilderness to escape Saul's murderous pursuit, and this psalm gathers his pious meditations and vows made under such severe trials. Some place it during Absalom's rebellion, but the desert setting and David's peril fit the Saul years best, even though he calls himself king, expressing his confident faith that God would fulfill His promise to raise him to the throne.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 63:1-11
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life. A reason for that which went before, as well as for that which follows. Life is dear, but God's love is dearer. To dwell with God is better than life at its best; life at ease, in a palace, in health, in honour, in wealth, in pleasure; yea, a thousand lives are not equal to the eternal life which abides in Jehovah's smile.
Faithful prayer turns quickly into joyful praise, if we will let it. God's lovingkindness surpasses life itself, all comfort, all prosperity; a thousand times better to die in His favour than to live under His wrath. Those whose hearts are refreshed by His tokens ought to have them enlarged in His praises.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 63:3-6