Psalms 63:11
But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just state that "liars will be stopped," it emphasizes that their mouths will be stopped. This isn't about them being persuaded or choosing to be quiet; it's a definitive silencing, a final cessation of their deceit, highlighting God's ultimate power over falsehood.
This psalm is a prayer of deep trust in God, likely written by David while he was fleeing persecution, possibly from Saul or during Absalom's rebellion. It moves from a desperate longing for God's presence in a dry, desolate place to a confident assurance of deliverance and ultimate victory over enemies who speak lies and seek his life. The psalm concludes with a prophetic vision of justice and rejoicing for the faithful and the silencing of the wicked.
Who is this 'king' rejoicing in God? And why is his joy so significant?
The verse speaks of "the king" rejoicing in God. This "king" is often understood to refer to David himself, or more broadly, to anyone who is a faithful ruler under God's authority. David, in his trials, found his ultimate hope and joy not in earthly power or success, but in God.
A King's Confidence
Even when David was in exile, hunted by his enemies, he spoke of himself as "the king." This wasn't arrogance, but a deep-seated faith that God's promise of kingship would be fulfilled. His joy wasn't based on his current circumstances, but on God's character and faithfulness. It's a reminder that true kingship, and true joy, come from alignment with God.
What does it mean to 'swear by' God, and what does it signify for those who do?
The phrase 'all who swear by him shall glory' points to a solemn commitment. In the Old Testament, swearing by God's name was more than just an oath; it was an act of worship, an acknowledgement of His supreme authority, and a calling upon Him as witness and judge.
More Than Words
To swear by God meant to pledge allegiance, to bind oneself to Him in truth and righteousness. It signifies a deep trust in God's promises and a willingness to live according to His ways. Those who make such a commitment can 'glory' or rejoice, knowing they are on God's side and aligned with His ultimate victory. This is contrasted with those who speak lies, whose false claims will ultimately be silenced.
Why are liars' mouths stopped, and what does this reveal about God's justice?
The final part of the verse, 'for the mouths of liars will be stopped,' offers a powerful assurance of divine justice. This isn't just about social etiquette; it speaks to a fundamental truth about God's order.
Truth Prevails
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
An anointed sovereign leader, often representing God's authority on earth, pointing forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ.
samach · Hebrew Verb
To feel or show great joy, often associated with religious celebration or triumph in God's faithfulness.
shaba · Hebrew Verb
To take an oath or make a solemn promise, frequently used in the Old Testament to describe allegiance to the Lord as the ultimate judge and witness of truth.
halal · Hebrew Verb
To triumph, rejoice, or glory; often used in the context of victory and the public expression of joy in God's salvation.
Psalm 63 vividly captures the experience of someone in deep distress, possibly David during his flight from Saul. The closing verses reveal a profound trust in God's ultimate justice and vindication, looking forward to the king's restoration and the silencing of liars and enemies.
c. 1025 BC
Saul's Rejection
God rejects Saul as king of Israel due to his disobedience, anointing David as the future king.
c. 1015 BC
David Anointed King
David is secretly anointed king by Samuel, but must wait years before ascending the throne, facing Saul's persecution.
c. 1010-1000 BC— this verse
David Flees Saul
David spends years as a fugitive in the wilderness, pursued relentlessly by King Saul, composing many Psalms during this time.
c. 1000 BC
Saul's Death
King Saul dies in battle, paving the way for David to finally ascend the throne of Israel.
c. 960 BC
This passage describes the Philistines taunting the armies of Israel, showing a direct parallel to the 'mouths of liars' being ultimately silenced when God's champion, David, is revealed. It highlights the contrast between boastful adversaries and God's faithful servant.
Psalm 7:15-16This Psalm speaks of the wicked digging a pit and falling into it themselves, mirroring the ultimate silencing and downfall of those who speak lies and plot against God's chosen, as seen in Psalm 63:11.
Romans 3:19Paul quotes from the Old Testament to show that all humanity is accountable to God, and 'every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be held accountable to God.' This universal principle of divine judgment directly echoes the silencing of liars.
Revelation 19:20This passage describes the ultimate defeat of the beast and the false prophet, whose 'mouths' are silenced through their destruction. It offers a powerful eschatological fulfillment to the promise of liars being stopped.
poolePsalms 63:11: "But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped."
The king; I, who am already anointed king, and who shall be actually king, when these mine enemies are fallen by the sword. He speaks of himself in the third person, either out of modesty or out of prudence, because it was ambiguous, and might be understood either of himself or of Saul, whereby, he might avoid the envy of the expression, if this…
barnesPsalms 63:11: "But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped."
But the king shall rejoice in God - This passage, as was remarked in the Introduction to the psalm, shows that this psalm could not have been composed in the time of Saul, since the title king was not then given to David. The use of the term here in the third person does not prove that the psalm could not have been written by David himself, for h…
The verse doesn't just state that "liars will be stopped," it emphasizes that their mouths will be stopped. This isn't about them being persuaded or choosing to be quiet; it's a definitive silencing, a final cessation of their deceit, highlighting God's ultimate power over falsehood.
This psalm is a prayer of deep trust in God, likely written by David while he was fleeing persecution, possibly from Saul or during Absalom's rebellion. It moves from a desperate longing for God's presence in a dry, desolate place to a confident assurance of deliverance and ultimate victory over enemies who speak lies and seek his life. The psalm concludes with a prophetic vision of justice and rejoicing for the faithful and the silencing of the wicked.
This psalm is a prayer of deep trust in God, likely written by David while he was fleeing persecution, possibly from Saul or during Absalom's rebellion. It moves from a desperate longing for God's presence in a dry, desolate place to a confident assurance of deliverance and ultimate victory over enemies who speak lies and seek his life. The psalm concludes with a prophetic vision of justice and rejoicing for the faithful and the silencing of the wicked.
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Liars, those who spread deceit and false accusations, will ultimately be silenced. Their words, which seek to undermine truth and justice, have no lasting power in God's kingdom. This silencing can happen in various ways: through exposure, through the ultimate judgment, or simply through the unstoppable force of truth itself. It assures us that God's vindication of the faithful will triumph over all falsehood.
sheqer · Hebrew Noun
A person who speaks falsehoods; in Scripture, this is frequently tied to covenant unfaithfulness, deceit, and opposition to God’s truth.
sakar · Hebrew Verb
To silence or close off; biblically, it suggests the divine judgment or removal of the ability to cause harm or spread falsehoods against the righteous.
Reign of King David
David establishes a stable and prosperous kingdom, solidifying his rule and expanding Israel's influence.
"But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped." — The verse doesn't just state that "liars will be stopped," it emphasizes that their mouths will be stopped. This isn't about them being persuaded or choosing to be quiet; it's a definitive silencin…
