Psalms61
English Standard Version
1To the : . Of . my , O , to my ;
2 the of the I to you when my is . me to the that is I,
3 you have been my , a the .
4Let me in your ! Let me under the of your !
5For you, O , have my ; you have me the of those who your .
6 the of the ; may his endure to !
7May he be ; and to him!
8 will I to your , as I my after .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 61.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: David seeks God upon former experience. (1–4). He vows to serve God. (5–8).
vv1-4
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.
vv5-8
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.
Key Words
נָצַח: properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
עַל: above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נְגִינָה: properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
שָׁמַע: to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
רִנָּה: properly, a creaking (or shrill sound), i.e. shout (of joy or grief)
אֱלֹהִים: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
קָשַׁב: to prick up the ears, i.e. hearken
תְּפִלָּה: intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
מִן: properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Cross References
Psalms 61Solomon notes mercy and truth preserve the king, echoing David's prayer for the same preservation.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Personifies God's 'mercy and truth' as guardian agents sent to preserve the king.
Supported by JFB
Parallels God sending forth His mercy and truth from heaven to save and preserve.
Supported by JFB
Setting the feet upon a rock matches the plea to be led to a higher rock.
Supported by JFB
Illustrates the ancient practice of making solemn vows to God during times of great distress.
Supported by Matthew Poole
David celebrates his beautiful heritage among those who fear God, echoing Psalm 16:5-6.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The Name of the Lord is depicted as a strong tower where the righteous find safety.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Verbal echo of hiding under the 'shadow' or 'covert' of God's wings.
Supported by JFB
Parallels rejoicing in the shadow of God's wings as a secure covert.
Supported by JFB
Expresses the lifelong desire to dwell or abide in the house/tabernacle of the Lord.
Supported by JFB
The singular desire to dwell in the sanctuary, highlighting distress when exiled from it.
Supported by John Calvin
Fulfillment of the eternal reign of David's line in Christ, whose kingdom has no end.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Crying to God from exile ('the land of Jordan') with an overwhelmed, cast-down soul.
Supported by John Calvin
Presents God as a rock, fortress, deliverer, and high tower in times of trouble.
Supported by JFB
Parallels God granting life and length of days forever and ever to the king.
Supported by JFB