The Bible: Psalms Chapter 61: with Audio and Commentary.

Version: World English Bible.

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Psalms Chapter 61 For the Chief Musician. For a stringed instrument. By David.

1 Hear my cry, God. Listen to my prayer.

2 From the end of the earth, I will call to you when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy.

4 I will dwell in your tent forever. I will take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah.

5 For you, God, have heard my vows. You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6 You will prolong the king's life. His years will be for generations.

7 He shall be enthroned in God's presence forever. Appoint your loving kindness and truth, that they may preserve him.

8 So I will sing praise to your name forever, that I may fulfil my vows daily.

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Version: World English Bible

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Psalms Chapter 61 For the Chief Musician. For a stringed instrument. By David. Guide

In this song there is the same undertone of confidence as in the preceding one. Here, however, it is rather the voice of one man than that of the people. The reference to the king, in verse Psalms 61:6, although in the third person, makes it likely that it was written by David under the stress of trial, most probably at some period of exile from his city.

His longing is for restoration to God rather than to circumstances. All through there seems to breathe a sense of perfect confidence in God, together with a consciousness of present need, and a longing desire for a return to past experience. There is no uncertainty in his mind concerning God's help of him in days that are gone. The very height of the psalm as a prayer is reached when he cries: "O prepare lovingkindness and truth, that they may preserve him." There has been some difficulty as to the word "prepare." Perhaps it ought not to be there. In that case we have an affirmation rather than a petition, which may read: "Lovingkindness and truth shall continually guard him." The one impression from reading the psalm is that of the singer's sense that in the midst of trouble his hope is still in God.

From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.

Psalms Chapter 61 Commentary

Chapter Outline

  1. David seeks God upon former experience. -- (1-4)
  2. He vows to serve God. -- (5-8)

Verses 1-4

David begins with prayers and tears, but ends with praise. Thus the soul, being lifted up to God, returns to the enjoyment of itself. Wherever we are, we have liberty to draw near to God, and may find a way open to the throne of grace. And that which separates us from other comforts, should drive us nearer to God, the fountain of all comfort. Though the heart is overwhelmed, yet it may be lifted up to God in prayer. Nay, I will cry unto thee, for by that means it will be supported and relieved. Weeping must quicken praying, and not deaden it. God's power and promise are a rock that is higher than we are. This rock is Christ. On the Divine mercy, as on a rock, David desired to rest his soul; but he was like a ship-wrecked sailor, exposed to the billows at the bottom of a rock too high for him to climb without help. David found that he could not be fixed on the Rock of salvation, unless the Lord placed him upon it. As there is safety in Him, and none in ourselves, let us pray to be led to and fixed upon Christ our Rock. The service of God shall be his constant work and business: all must make it so who expect to find God their shelter and strong tower. The grace of God shall be his constant comfort.

Verses 5-8

There is a people in the world that fear God's name. There is a heritage peculiar to that people; present comforts in the soul, earnests of future bliss. Those that fear God have enough in him, and must not complain. We need desire no better heritage than that of those who fear God. Those abide to good purpose in this world, who abide before God, serve him, and walk in his fear; those who do so, shall abide before him for ever. And these words are to be applied to Him of whom the angel said, the Lord shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and of his kingdom there shall be no end, Lu 1:32. God's promises, and our faith in them, are not to do away, but to encourage prayer. We need not desire to be better secured than under the protection of God's mercy and truth. And if we partake of that grace and truth which came by Jesus Christ, we may praise him, whatever be our outward circumstances. But renewed experience of God's mercy and truth towards his people in Christ, is the main matter of our joy in him, and our praise unto him.

From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.