But those who seek my life to destroy itThis phrase reflects David's experience of being pursued by enemies, likely during his time fleeing from King Saul or Absalom. The pursuit of David's life is a recurring theme in the Psalms, highlighting the trials he faced as God's anointed king. The phrase "seek my life" indicates a deliberate and malicious intent to harm or kill, which is a common experience for those who are chosen by God, as seen in the lives of other biblical figures like Moses and Elijah. This pursuit can also be seen as a type of the persecution faced by Jesus Christ, who was sought by religious leaders to be destroyed.
will go into the depths of the earth
This part of the verse suggests a divine retribution or judgment upon those who oppose God's anointed. The "depths of the earth" can be interpreted as Sheol, the realm of the dead in Hebrew thought, indicating that the enemies will face death and possibly eternal separation from God. This reflects the biblical principle that those who oppose God's purposes ultimately face His judgment, as seen in the fate of Korah and his followers (Numbers 16:31-33). The imagery of descending into the earth also connects to the New Testament concept of hell or Hades, where the unrighteous are punished. This serves as a warning of the ultimate fate of those who reject God's chosen ones and His plans.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe author of
Psalm 63, traditionally believed to be King David, who often faced threats from his enemies. This psalm is attributed to a time when he was in the wilderness of Judah, possibly fleeing from Saul or Absalom.
2.
Enemies of DavidThe individuals or groups seeking to harm or kill David. These could include King Saul, who pursued David out of jealousy, or Absalom, David's son, who led a rebellion against him.
3.
Wilderness of JudahThe setting of this psalm, a barren and desolate region where David sought refuge. It symbolizes both physical and spiritual trials.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's JusticeDavid's confidence that his enemies will "go into the depths of the earth" reflects a deep trust in God's justice. Believers are encouraged to rely on God to handle injustices rather than seeking personal revenge.
The Reality of Spiritual WarfareJust as David faced physical enemies, Christians face spiritual adversaries. This verse reminds us of the ultimate defeat of those who oppose God's people.
The Importance of Faithfulness in TrialsDavid's situation in the wilderness teaches us to remain faithful and seek God even when circumstances are dire. Our trials can deepen our reliance on God.
God's Sovereignty Over Life and DeathThe phrase "depths of the earth" can be seen as a metaphor for death or Sheol. It underscores God's control over life and death, reassuring believers of His ultimate authority.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 63:9?
2.How does Psalm 63:9 encourage trust in God's protection against adversaries?
3.What does "those who seek my life" reveal about David's circumstances?
4.How can Psalm 63:9 deepen our understanding of God's justice in the Psalms?
5.In what ways can we apply Psalm 63:9 during personal spiritual battles?
6.How does Psalm 63:9 connect with Romans 12:19 on vengeance and justice?
7.How does Psalm 63:9 reflect God's justice against those who oppose the faithful?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 63:9?
9.How does Psalm 63:9 align with the overall theme of divine protection in the Psalms?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 63?
11.Psalm 63:9–10 depicts David’s enemies meeting violent ends—where is historical or archeological evidence of such events?
12.What does it mean Jesus is the True Shepherd?
13.How do habits shape your spiritual journey?
14.What do jackals symbolize in the Bible?What Does Psalm 63:9 Mean
But those who seek my life• David identifies real enemies who actively pursue his death, mirroring the threat detailed in1 Samuel 23:14-15 when Saul hunted him “every day.”
• Scripture repeatedly acknowledges hostile pursuers:Psalm 27:2,Psalm 35:4-6, and2 Samuel 4:8. Their hatred is personal and relentless, not merely opposition to ideas but to David himself.
• For believers today, this phrase reminds us that opposition often targets the people of God personally (John 15:18-20).
to destroy it• The aim of the adversaries is total ruin, not mere harassment—echoed inPsalm 31:13, “they plot to take my life.”
• Their destructive intent is set against God’s protective intent (Psalm 34:22;John 10:28-29), highlighting the stark contrast between human malice and divine preservation.
• The verse underscores God’s justice: what they intend for evil, He will ultimately overturn (Genesis 50:20;Romans 8:31).
will go into the depths• “Depths” signifies profound downfall, evokingNumbers 16:30-33 where rebellious Korah and his followers were swallowed by the earth.
• It conveys the certainty of God’s judgment foretold inPsalm 55:23: “You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction.”
• This descent also anticipates the fate of unrepentant enemies inEzekiel 31:17-18 andRevelation 20:10, underscoring God’s consistent verdict across Scripture.
of the earth• The earth, once man’s habitation, becomes the place of judgment; comparePsalm 7:15-16 where the wicked fall into the pit they dug.
• God’s sovereignty over the physical realm means He employs creation itself as an instrument of justice (Joshua 10:11;Isaiah 24:21).
• For David, this assurance transforms fear into confidence: the very ground the enemies tread will witness their collapse (Psalm 18:38-42).
summaryPsalm 63:9 promises that those who relentlessly hunt God’s servant will face certain, earthly judgment—an irreversible plunge into ruin orchestrated by God Himself. The verse affirms that personal hostility toward the righteous will not stand; the Judge of all the earth ensures that schemes of destruction rebound on the schemers. This truth strengthens believers to trust God’s protection and wait for His just, decisive intervention.
Verse 9. -
But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. Professor Cheyne notes that "the psalmist has no sense of any incongruity between deeply spiritual musings and vehement denunciations of his enemies." And this is certainly true. But it is to be remembered that he views his enemies, not merely as his own fees, but as the foes of God and of Israel. As the servant of God, he must hate those who are opposed to God; as the King of Israel, he must hate those who seek to injure and ruin his people. He does not, however, desire for them suffering or torment; he only asks that they may be removed from this sphere into another world. (On David's conception of the lower world, see the comment upon
Psalm 16:10 and Psalm 86:13.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But thoseוְהֵ֗מָּה(wə·hêm·māh)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992:Theywho seekיְבַקְשׁ֣וּ(yə·ḇaq·šū)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1245:To search out, to strive aftermy lifeנַפְשִׁ֑י(nap̄·šî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotionto destroy itלְ֭שׁוֹאָה(lə·šō·w·’āh)Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7722:A tempest, devastationwill goיָ֝בֹ֗אוּ(yā·ḇō·’ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gointo the depthsבְּֽתַחְתִּיּ֥וֹת(bə·ṯaḥ·tî·yō·wṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 8482:Lowermost, the depthsof the earth.הָאָֽרֶץ׃(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land
Links
Psalm 63:9 NIVPsalm 63:9 NLTPsalm 63:9 ESVPsalm 63:9 NASBPsalm 63:9 KJV
Psalm 63:9 BibleApps.comPsalm 63:9 Biblia ParalelaPsalm 63:9 Chinese BiblePsalm 63:9 French BiblePsalm 63:9 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Psalm 63:9 But those who seek my soul (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
