Psalms 61

¹To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David. Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

²From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

³For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

Psa 61:1-8. Neginah--or, Neginoth (see on Psa 4:1, title). Separated from his usual spiritual privileges, perhaps by Absalom’s rebellion, the Psalmist prays for divine aid, and, in view of past mercies, with great confidence of being heard. 1-3. From the end--that is, places remote from the sanctuary (De 28:64).

⁴I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

4. I will abide--So I desire to do (compare Psa 23:6). trust in the covert, &c.--make my refuge, in the shadow (compare Psa 17:8; 36:7).

⁵For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

5. the heritage--or, part in the spiritual blessings of Israel (Psa 21:2-4). vows--implies prayers.

⁶Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations.

⁷He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

6-7. the king--himself and his royal line ending in Christ. Mercy and truth personified, as in Psa 40:11; 57:3.

⁸So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

8. Thus for new blessings will new vows of praise ever be paid.