Psalms 61:1

Psalms 61:1 « To the chief Musician upon Neginah, [A Psalm] of David. » Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

To the chief Musician upon Neginah, &c. ] Vincenti in melodiis Davidis (Vatab.). It is probable that he made this psalm when, driven out of his kingdom by his son Absalom, he took up at Mahanaim beyond Jordan, 2 Samuel 17:24 , and therehence prayed from the ends of the earth, or rather of the land, Psalms 61:2 . Howbeit R. Obadiah saith, that this psalm is De pugna cum Aram in confinibus Israel, concerning the battle with the Syrians in the borders of the land. See 2 Samuel 10:14 , &c., and 1 Chronicles 19:16 , &c.

Ver. 1. Hear my cry, O God ] Heb. my shouting, my sad outcry; for he was in great extremity, Psalms 61:2 , and seeks ease by prayer. This is the way, Job 22:21 Philippians 4:6-7 , walk in it. Prayer hath virtutem pacativam; it doth sweetly settle the soul, and lodge a blessed security in it.