Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From 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.
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations.
He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.
The historical backdrop of Psalms 61, unlike some psalms explicitly linked to specific events (Psalms 54, 59, 60), remains somewhat uncertain. However, its plea for the king's protection suggests a possible connection to David's flight during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:13-14). The psalm's themes resonate with David's journey over the Mount of Olives (2 Samuel 15:30) and his eventual arrival at the fortified city of Mahanaim (2 Samuel 17:24).
A Cry from the End of the Earth (Psalms 61:1-2)
David begins with an earnest plea, asking God to hear his cry. Feeling overwhelmed and displaced, perhaps even at "the end of the earth" – a phrase suggesting a sense of isolation and desperation – David's confidence wavers. The "faint heart" he describes speaks of being overwhelmed, covered up, and on the verge of collapse. In this moment of weakness, David turns to God, seeking a refuge, a place of safety reminiscent of past deliverances. He recognizes his own limitations, but also God's immeasurable power. He understands that while he is without strength, God is a rock that is high above him (Psalms 61:2). Therefore, David prays for the humility to do the same, to cast himself onto God.
Shelter Under His Wings (Psalms 61:3-4)
David recognizes God alone as a strong tower against the enemy (Psalms 61:3). He longs to abide in God's presence, finding solace and security there. He uses the imagery of being sheltered under God's "wings," much like a mother hen protects her chicks. This metaphor, common in Scripture (Psalms 17:8; 36:7; 63:7), speaks of God's tender care and unwavering protection. During David's time, the ark of the covenant resided in a tent, the "tabernacle," the center of Israelite worship. Images of angels with outstretched wings adorned the ark (Exodus 25:18-20). David's prayer isn't just a request for safety; it's an expression of his desire to worship God in His sanctuary, to find refuge in His very presence. The only wise position from which to operate in life, then, is under the divine covering—an unassailable place of safety from elements and enemies.
A Heritage Secured by God (Psalms 61:5-7)
David expresses unwavering confidence that God has heard his prayer. God gives a heritage, a promised inheritance, to those who fear His name, to those who take Him seriously (Psalms 61:5). He recalls God's promises and past victories (Psalms 16:6; 2 Samuel 8:6), acknowledging the loyalty of those who remain faithful to his rule. A significant aspect of God's covenant with David concerned his descendants (2 Samuel 7:12-16). David's prayer extends beyond his own life, encompassing the continuation of his dynasty. He prays for a prolonged life and for his sons to remain enthroned before God forever (Psalms 61:6-7), in accordance with God's covenant promise to him (see 2 Samuel 7:11-16). Ultimately, this prayer finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, who will reign on David's throne forever.
Guarded by Love and Truth (Psalms 61:8)
David asks that God’s faithful love and truth would guard him (Psalms 61:7), protecting him from his enemies and circumstances and from his own sinfulness. He concludes with a commitment to continually sing the Lord’s praises and to daily fulfill his vows he had made (Psalms 61:8). In other words, if God would deliver him, David would ensure that God receives the glory for it. David looks forward with confidence to praising and obeying the Lord, just as he does in other psalms (Psalms 22:25; 35:18).
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From 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.
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations.
He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.
The historical backdrop of Psalms 61, unlike some psalms explicitly linked to specific events (Psalms 54, 59, 60), remains somewhat uncertain. However, its plea for the king's protection suggests a possible connection to David's flight during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:13-14). The psalm's themes resonate with David's journey over the Mount of Olives (2 Samuel 15:30) and his eventual arrival at the fortified city of Mahanaim (2 Samuel 17:24).
A Cry from the End of the Earth (Psalms 61:1-2)
David begins with an earnest plea, asking God to hear his cry. Feeling overwhelmed and displaced, perhaps even at "the end of the earth" – a phrase suggesting a sense of isolation and desperation – David's confidence wavers. The "faint heart" he describes speaks of being overwhelmed, covered up, and on the verge of collapse. In this moment of weakness, David turns to God, seeking a refuge, a place of safety reminiscent of past deliverances. He recognizes his own limitations, but also God's immeasurable power. He understands that while he is without strength, God is a rock that is high above him (Psalms 61:2). Therefore, David prays for the humility to do the same, to cast himself onto God.
Shelter Under His Wings (Psalms 61:3-4)
David recognizes God alone as a strong tower against the enemy (Psalms 61:3). He longs to abide in God's presence, finding solace and security there. He uses the imagery of being sheltered under God's "wings," much like a mother hen protects her chicks. This metaphor, common in Scripture (Psalms 17:8; 36:7; 63:7), speaks of God's tender care and unwavering protection. During David's time, the ark of the covenant resided in a tent, the "tabernacle," the center of Israelite worship. Images of angels with outstretched wings adorned the ark (Exodus 25:18-20). David's prayer isn't just a request for safety; it's an expression of his desire to worship God in His sanctuary, to find refuge in His very presence. The only wise position from which to operate in life, then, is under the divine covering—an unassailable place of safety from elements and enemies.
A Heritage Secured by God (Psalms 61:5-7)
David expresses unwavering confidence that God has heard his prayer. God gives a heritage, a promised inheritance, to those who fear His name, to those who take Him seriously (Psalms 61:5). He recalls God's promises and past victories (Psalms 16:6; 2 Samuel 8:6), acknowledging the loyalty of those who remain faithful to his rule. A significant aspect of God's covenant with David concerned his descendants (2 Samuel 7:12-16). David's prayer extends beyond his own life, encompassing the continuation of his dynasty. He prays for a prolonged life and for his sons to remain enthroned before God forever (Psalms 61:6-7), in accordance with God's covenant promise to him (see 2 Samuel 7:11-16). Ultimately, this prayer finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, who will reign on David's throne forever.
Guarded by Love and Truth (Psalms 61:8)
David asks that God’s faithful love and truth would guard him (Psalms 61:7), protecting him from his enemies and circumstances and from his own sinfulness. He concludes with a commitment to continually sing the Lord’s praises and to daily fulfill his vows he had made (Psalms 61:8). In other words, if God would deliver him, David would ensure that God receives the glory for it. David looks forward with confidence to praising and obeying the Lord, just as he does in other psalms (Psalms 22:25; 35:18).