For thou hast been a Shelter for me. In the past thou hast often been my "Shelter" or my "Refuge" (comp. Psalms 18:2 ; Psalms 44:7 , Psalms 44:11 ; Psalms 48:3 , etc.); be so once more. And a strong Tower. A migdal— a fortress, like the great fortress of the south ( Exodus 14:2 )—the Magdolus of Herodotus (2.149). From the enemy. If the psalm is David's, "the enemy" is probably Absalom. read more
I will abide in thy tabernacle forever. As the psalmist is in exile, at "the end of the earth" ( Psalms 61:2 ), the literal "tabernacle" cannot be intended. A spiritual abiding in the heavenly dwelling, whereof the tabernacle was a type, must be meant (comp. Psalms 18:11 ). I will trust in the covert of thy wings (comp. Psalms 17:8 ; Psalms 36:7 ; Psalms 57:1 ; Psalms 63:7 ; Psalms 91:4 ). The origin of the metaphor is hardly to be sought in the outspread wings of the... read more
For thou, O God, hast heard my vows. Thou hast heard me so often in the past, thou hast granted so many of my prayers, accepted so many of my vows, that I am emboldened to make further requests. Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy Name. All the blessed inheritance of thy saints thou hast made mine, and, included in it, boldness to approach the throne of grace in full assurance of faith, and to present to thee my petitions. read more
Thou wilt prolong the king's life. The question arises—What king? Some answer that David prays for the extension of his own life; or, if not exactly of his own life, then for the prolongation of his dynasty upon the throne (Hengstenberg); others suggest that a distant exile, perhaps in Assyria, prays for the life of the reigning King of Judah, Josiah probably; but the Messianic interpretation is perhaps the best. The writer, lifted up above himself and above sublunary things, abiding, as... read more
He shall abide before God forever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him; literally, appoint that mercy and truth may preserve him. Let "mercy and truth," the highest of thy attributes, preserve him, and keep him in life forever. read more
So will I sing praise unto thy Name forever. This, if thou doest, then I, for my part, so long as I have my being, will praise thy Name, thus performing day by day what I have vowed. The writer's continuance in life, and retention of consciousness, though not actually asserted, is implied. read more
This psalm (title) is inscribed “To the chief Musician upon Neginah.” On the meaning of the expression, “To the chief Musician,” see the notes at the title to Psalms 4:1-8, where also we have the following word in another form, - “on Neginoth” - the plural, instead of the singular. The word means a stringed instrument; and the idea is, that the psalm was committed to the leader of those who played on stringed instruments in the sanctuary.The psalm is ascribed to David, but the occasion on which... read more
Hear my cry, O God - See the notes at Psalms 5:2. The word rendered cry in this place sometimes denotes a joyful shout - a shout of triumph; but the connection makes it certain that it here refers to the voice of prayer. It is implied that it was audible prayer, or that the psalmist gave utterance to his desires in words. It is language such as would be produced by deep distress; when a sad and burdened heart gives vent to its feelings in a loud cry for mercy.Attend unto my prayer - Give ear;... read more
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee - This language is derived from the idea that the earth is one extended plain, and that it has limits or boundaries. Such language is common in the Scriptures, and indeed is in constant use now, even although we know that the earth is globular, and that there are no parts which can properly be called “the ends of the earth.” The meaning is plain. The psalmist was far from the place where he was accustomed to live; or, in other words, he was in... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 61:2
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee. Eastern hyperbole may call the Trans-Jordanic territory "the end of the earth," but certainly the expression would be more natural in the mouth of an exile in Assyria, Media, or Babylon. When my heart is overwhelmed; or, "when my heart fainteth" (comp. Psalms 107:5 ). Lead me to the rock that is higher than I rather, that is too high for me— that I cannot reach unaided. Some regard the "rock" as Mount Zion; but others, more reasonably,... read more