Psalm 63:11 Study Bible: But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by him will praise him, for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be silenced.

◄ Psalm 63:11 ►

But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by Him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut.

But the king
This phrase refers to King David, who is traditionally understood to be the author of this psalm. In the historical context, David was anointed by God to be the king of Israel, a position that carried not only political authority but also spiritual responsibility. The Hebrew word for "king" is "melek," which signifies a ruler or one who reigns. David's kingship is a central theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing God's chosen leadership and the establishment of His covenant with Israel. In a broader spiritual sense, this phrase can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who reigns eternally.

will rejoice in God
The Hebrew root for "rejoice" is "samach," which conveys a deep, abiding joy and gladness. This joy is not based on circumstances but is rooted in a relationship with God. David's ability to rejoice in God, despite his trials and adversities, reflects a profound trust and faith in God's sovereignty and goodness. This phrase encourages believers to find their ultimate joy and satisfaction in God, who is unchanging and faithful.

all who swear by Him
To "swear by" someone in biblical terms means to make an oath or a solemn promise, invoking the name of God as a witness to the truth of one's words. This phrase indicates a deep commitment and allegiance to God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, oaths were serious and binding, reflecting one's loyalty and faithfulness. For Christians, this can be seen as a call to live lives of integrity and devotion, acknowledging God in all aspects of life.

will glory
The word "glory" in Hebrew is "halal," which means to boast or to praise. This phrase suggests that those who are faithful to God will find their honor and worth in Him. It is a reminder that true glory comes not from human achievements or status but from a relationship with God. This aligns with the New Testament teaching that believers are to boast in the Lord and His works, rather than in their own strength.

for the mouths of liars
The term "liars" refers to those who speak falsehoods or deceit. In the biblical context, lying is not just a moral failing but a violation of God's truth. The Hebrew word "kazab" implies deception and unfaithfulness. This phrase serves as a warning against dishonesty and the consequences that follow. It underscores the biblical principle that truth and righteousness will ultimately prevail.

will be silenced
The imagery of being "silenced" suggests a cessation of deceit and the triumph of truth. In the Hebrew context, silence can imply judgment or the end of one's influence. This phrase reassures believers that God will ultimately vindicate His people and bring justice. It is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the assurance that evil will not have the final word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 63, David is expressing his trust and joy in God despite being in the wilderness, likely during his flight from Absalom.

2. The King
Refers to David himself, who is confident in God's deliverance and justice.

3. Liars
Represents those who oppose David and speak falsely against him, possibly his enemies during his time of distress.

4. Wilderness of Judah
The setting of the Psalm, symbolizing a place of trial and testing where David seeks God earnestly.

5. God
The central figure in whom David places his trust and finds his joy, despite his circumstances.

Teaching Points

Rejoicing in God Amidst Trials
David's example teaches us to find joy in God even when circumstances are challenging. Our relationship with God should be our source of strength and joy.

The Power of Truth
The assurance that God will silence liars reminds us of the power and ultimate triumph of truth. We should strive to live truthfully and trust in God's justice.

The Importance of Loyalty to God
Those who "swear by Him" are those who are loyal and committed to God. Our allegiance to God should be unwavering, and we should find joy in our relationship with Him.

God's Justice and Vindication
The promise that liars' mouths will be shut assures us of God's justice. We can trust that God will vindicate us in His time.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's expression of joy in God challenge us to find joy in our own difficult circumstances?

2. In what ways can we "swear by" God in our daily lives, and how does this reflect our commitment to Him?

3. How does the assurance that "the mouths of liars will be shut" encourage you to trust in God's justice?

4. What other biblical examples can you think of where God vindicated His people against false accusations?

5. How can we apply the themes of truth and loyalty from this verse in our interactions with others today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 21:1
This verse also speaks of a king rejoicing in God's strength, highlighting the theme of divine support and victory.

Isaiah 45:23
Connects to the idea of swearing by God, emphasizing the ultimate authority and truth of God's word.

Philippians 2:10-11
Relates to the theme of every tongue confessing and acknowledging God's sovereignty, similar to the shutting of liars' mouths.

Sermons

A Wilderness Cry		Psalm 63:1-11
Ancient Piety	James Sutcliffe, M. A.	Psalm 63:1-11
David's Desire for God's Presence	R. Glover.	Psalm 63:1-11
David's Owning Of, and Application To, God	T. Horton, D. D.	Psalm 63:1-11
God and the Soul	Canon Liddon.	Psalm 63:1-11
Passionate Devotion	J. Cranbrook.	Psalm 63:1-11
Seeking God	W. W. Wythe.	Psalm 63:1-11
Soul Thirst	W. Forsyth	Psalm 63:1-11
Soul-Thirst	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Psalm 63:1-11
The Christian's Longing	R. J. Rowton, M. A.	Psalm 63:1-11
The Greatest Things of the Soul	Homilist	Psalm 63:1-11
The Paramount Need	Edwin Hatch, D. D.	Psalm 63:1-11
The Saint Claiming God as His God	A. Shanks.	Psalm 63:1-11
The Saint Resolving to Seek His God	A. Shanks.	Psalm 63:1-11
The Saint Thirsting for God	A. Shanks.	Psalm 63:1-11
The Soul's Thirst and Satisfaction	A. Maclaren, D. D.	Psalm 63:1-11

People

David, Psalmist

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

64, Cause, Chief, David, Glory, God's, Joy, Liars, Lies, Mouth, Mouths, Musician, Oath, Praise, Pride, Psalm, Rejoice, Silenced, Speak, Speaking, Stopped, Swear, Sweareth, Swearing, Swears, Takes

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Psalm 63:11

     5168   muteness
     5550   speech, negative
     5950   silence

Library

Thirst and Satisfaction
'My soul thirsteth for Thee.... 5. My soul shall be satisfied.... 8. My soul followeth hard after Thee.'--PSALM lxiii. 1, 5, 8. It is a wise advice which bids us regard rather what is said than who says it, and there are few regions in which the counsel is more salutary than at present in the study of the Old Testament, and especially the Psalms. This authorship has become a burning question which is only too apt to shut out far more important things. Whoever poured out this sweet meditation in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

1877-1879. "They Helped Every one his Neighbour" --Miss Child, a Fellow-Labourer --The Work in Ratcliff Highway --Strangers' Rest for Sailors --"Welcome Home" --"Bridge of Hope" --Miss
"They helped every one his neighbour"--Miss Child, a fellow-labourer --The work in Ratcliff Highway--Strangers' Rest for Sailors--"Welcome Home"--"Bridge of Hope"--Miss Macpherson's twenty-first voyage to Canada--Explosion on board the "Sardinian"--Child life in the Galt Home--The Galt Home now devoted to children from London, Knowlton to those from Liverpool, and Marchmont to Scottish Emigrants. "They helped every one his neighbour, and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage" (margin, …
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers

Whether Oaths are Desirable and to be Used Frequently as Something Useful and Good?
Objection 1: It would seem that oaths are desirable and to be used frequently as something useful and good. Just as a vow is an act of religion, so is an oath. Now it is commendable and more meritorious to do a thing by vow, because a vow is an act of religion, as stated above ([3078]Q[88], A[5]). Therefore for the same reason, to do or say a thing with an oath is more commendable, and consequently oaths are desirable as being good essentially. Objection 2: Further, Jerome, commenting on Mat. 5:34, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Out of the Deep of Death.
My heart is disquieted within me, and the fear of death has fallen upon me.--Ps. iv. 4. My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart.--Ps. lxiii. 25. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.--Ps. xxiii. 4. Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.--Ps. cxvi. 8. What will become of us after we die? What will the next world be like? What is heaven like? Shall I be able …
Charles Kingsley—Out of the Deep

How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
I would invite you, my brethren in Christ Jesus, this morning, to do three things; first, let us consider the terms of the will--"joint heirs with Christ;" secondly, let us go forth and view the estates--what it is of which we are joint heirs; and when we have done so, let us proceed at once to administer, for God hath made his children administrators as web as heirs. I. First, then, there is A LEGAL TERM IN THE WILL UPON WHICH THE WHOLE MATTER WILL HINGE. We are called "joint heirs with Christ"--what …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

By all Things' is Meant the Redemptive Attributes and Power of Christ.
Thus, then, we may understand all things to have been delivered to the Saviour, and, if it be necessary to follow up understanding by explanation, that hath been delivered unto Him which He did not previously possess. For He was not man previously, but became man for the sake of saving man. And the Word was not in the beginning flesh, but has been made flesh subsequently (cf. Joh. i. 1 sqq.), in which Flesh, as the Apostle says, He reconciled the enmity which was against us (Col. i. 20, ii. 14, Eph. …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Spiritual Hunger Shall be Satisfied
They shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 I proceed now to the second part of the text. A promise annexed. They shall be filled'. A Christian fighting with sin is not like one that beats the air' (1 Corinthians 9:26), and his hungering after righteousness is not like one that sucks in only air, Blessed are they that hunger, for they shall be filled.' Those that hunger after righteousness shall be filled. God never bids us seek him in vain' (Isaiah 45:19). Here is an honeycomb dropping into the mouths of …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple …
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers

The Secret Walk with God (ii).
He that would to others give Let him take from Jesus still; They who deepest in Him live Flow furthest at His will. I resume the rich subject of Secret Devotion, Secret Communion with God. Not that I wish to enter in detail on either the theory or the practice of prayer in secret; as I have attempted to do already in a little book which I may venture here to mention, Secret Prayer. My aim at present, as I talk to my younger Brethren in the Ministry, is far rather to lay all possible stress on …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Marks of the New Birth
"So is every one that is born of the Spirit." John 3:8. 1. How is every one that is "born of the Spirit," -- that is, born again, -- born of God? What is meant by the being born again, the being born of God, or being born of the Spirit? What is implied in the being a son or a child of God, or having the Spirit of adoption? That these privileges, by the free mercy of God, are ordinarily annexed to baptism (which is thence termed by our Lord in a preceding verse, the being "born of water and of the …
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &c. [1273] Seeing the chief end of all religion is to redeem men from the spirit and vain conversation of this world and to lead into inward communion with God, before whom if we fear always we are accounted happy; therefore all the vain customs and habits thereof, both in word and deed, are to be rejected and forsaken by those who come to this fear; such as taking off the hat to a man, the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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