Psalm 63 structure

Michael Wilcock says there's no very clear structure to Psalm 63 but some commentators find a pretty elaborate one.

For example, the Expositor's Bible Commentary sees a typical individual lament structure:

Complaint (v1)

Expression of confidence in the Lord’s ability to help (vv2-10)

Anticipation of public praise (v11)

But also gives the following outline:

The excellence of God’s love

(1) Longing for the Lord (v1) – A1

(2) The vision of God’s beneficence (vv2-3) – B1

(3) In praise of the Lord (vv4-5) – C1

(4) Longing for the Lord (vv6-8) – A2

(5) Vision of God’s judgement (vv9-10) – B2

(6) In praise of the Lord (v11) – C2

Motyer has:

Beginning and ending the day with God

A. At dawn (vv1-4)

Present (v1)

Past (vv2-3)

Future (v4)

B. At night (vv6-11)

Past (vv6-7)

Present (v8)

Future (vv9-11)

Goldingay does say that it doesn't divide up sharply but sees 3 sections of deepening urgency:

Vv1-4

Vv5-8

Vv9-11

And a cycle of:

Longing for God / need          v1                    vv5a, 8

Experience of God                  vv2-3a             vv6-/a

Worship of God                      vv3b-4             vv5b, 7b

For those who like alliteration's aidful art, it is perhaps worth mentioning Kidner's 3 'd's:

All My Longing

Vv1-4, God my desire

Vv5-8, God my delight

Vv9-11, God my defence

If it is not too ridiculous, I am thinking of going with lots of "s"s:

PSALM 63 (page 579)

Seeking, Satisfied, Singing, Secure?

The Psalmist’s situation: maybe 1 Samuel 21-31 perhaps more likely 2 Samuel 15-17 (Title)

The Psalmist’s soul seriously seeks for God (v1)

The Psalmist has seen God and his splendid strength in the sanctuary (v2)

The Psalmist’s soul is satisfied in God (v5) and sings his praises (vv3-6f)

The Psalmist is secure in the shadow of God’s wing (v7f) and all who seek his life will be silenced (v9ff, esp. v11)

So…?

Our Saviour, the Davidic king (v11)