John Gill Commentary Psalms 63:8

"My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me." — Psalms 63:8 (ASV)

My soul followeth hard after thee In a way of duty, and in the use of means; as prayer, meditation though at a distance from the house of God, and worship of it; that he might not lose sight of him; that he might know more of him, and have more communion with him; being drawn after him with the cords of love, and strongly affected to him.

Or, "my soul cleaveth after thee", or "to thee" ^F20 ; not to the world, and the things of it; not to that which is evil, but to that which is good, even the "summum bonum"; not to the creature, but to the Lord; which is expressive of union to him, even such an one as is between man and wife, who cleave to each other, and are one flesh, (Genesis 2:24) ; and as is between head and members, vine and branches; see (1 Corinthians 6:17) ; and of communion in the exercise of grace, and discharge of duty. To cleave to the Lord into hold to him, the head; to exercise the graces of faith, hope, and love upon him; and to follow him in his ways and worship; to abide by his truths; to attend his ordinances; to keep close to his people, and to adhere firmly to his cause and interest; see (Acts 11:23) . The Targum is, ``my soul cleaveth after your law;''

your right hand upholdeth me that he fell not through the snares laid for him, and the stumbling blocks thrown in his way; that he stood and bore up under all his afflictions, temptations, and difficulties; that he was enabled to follow hard after the Lord, and cleave unto him; this supported, supplied, and protected him, even the mighty power and grace of God.

In what a happy, comfortable, and safe condition must the psalmist be! his soul following hard after the Lord; and the Lord holding and sustaining him with his right hand! and how vain must be the attempts of his enemies against him! whose destruction is next predicted.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F20: (Kyrxa hqbd) "adhaesit post te", Montanus, Gejerus; "tibi adhaesit", Tigurine version; so Piscator, Michaelis.