CONTENTS This Psalm is but short, though sweet. The heart is in heaviness in the opening of it, but finds comfort before it closeth. In using it with reference to Christ, it promiseth rich consolation. To the chief musician upon Niginah, A Psalm of David. read more
Whither shall a soul in trouble go, but to the Lord? or to whom shall a soul cry, but to him that is able to save? It is blessed to be sometimes driven to straits, that we may know where our resources are alone to be found. The Reader will do well to observe the expression, from the end of the earth; meaning that no place is so remote, no distance so great, but what may find access to the mercy-seat of a God in Christ. And the sweetest and most encouraging of all thoughts is, that the Lamb is... read more
Idithun, to sing. (Worthington) --- He was one of the chief musicians under David, 1 Paralipomenon xxv. 3. The psalm may be explained of David, persecuted by Absalom, (Calmet) of the Machabees, (Theodoret) &c., or of Christ, and his Church. (Calmet) --- St. Jerome considers it a piece of excellent morality, (Calmet) and this may suffice, without referring it to any historical fact. (Berthier) read more
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... read more
Cheth. True Piety the Calling of the Believers. v. 57. Thou art my Portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Thy words. To realize at all times that God is his Portion, his Inheritance, and that for that reason he intends to observe the words of the Lord, this is the calling of the faithful, in this everyone who is a child of God fulfils his destiny. v. 58. I entreated Thy favor, literally, "I appealed with supplications to Thy face," with my whole heart, begging for a manifestation... read more
Psalms 61:0To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David1 Hear my cry, O God;Attend unto my prayer.2 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.3 For thou hast been a shelter for me,And a strong tower from the enemy.4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever:I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows:Thou hast given me the heritage of those that... read more
Safe under God’s Protection Psalms 61:1-8 This psalm was probably composed at the time of Absalom’s rebellion, when David was a fugitive from the Tabernacle that he loved. There are two stanzas. Prayer, Psalms 61:1-4 The king was only across the Jordan, yet it seemed the end of the earth. He was at the end of human help. In overwhelming floods trouble poured all around, but in the distance he perceived the rock that towered above the waters. If he could but reach it, he would be safe. What... read more
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... read more
Heading. ‘For the Chief Musician, on a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David.’ This Psalm is also dedicated to the Chief Musician and is to be accompanied by a stringed instrument. It is a Psalm of David. If David, rather than a member of the Davidic house, was its author it was quite possibly written during his period of exile east of Jordan after fleeing from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13 ff.). In later days, after the end of the monarchy and the Exile, it began to be given a Messianic... read more
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The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Psalms 61:1-8
Worship and Confidence Psalms 61:0 'Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer" ( Psa 61:1 ). The Book of Psalms illustrates in a most varied and striking manner the religious side of human life. Setting aside for the moment all theories of inspiration, and indeed ignoring inspiration altogether, we have a book full of the most passionate and reverent utterances addressed to a Being supposed to be worthy of all homage and to be the fountain of all blessing. This we have simply as a matter of... read more