Psalm 61:1-4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 61:1-4

In these verses we may observe, I. David's close adherence and application to God by prayer in the day of his distress and trouble: ?Whatever comes, I will cry unto thee (Ps. 61:2), --not cry unto other gods, but to thee only,?not fall out with thee because thou afflictest me, but still look unto thee, and wait upon thee,?not speak to thee in a cold and careless manner, but cry to thee with the greatest importunity and fervency of spirit, as one that will not let thee go except thou bless me.?... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 61:1

Hear my cry, O God ,.... Being in distress; and which was vocally expressed with great fervency and importunity; attend unto my prayer ; which psalm was made by him, and not for him; inwrought in his heart by the Spirit of God, and put up by him with a true heart and full assurance of faith, and related to his own case in particular. Aben Ezra thinks that the former word designs public prayer, vocally and openly expressed; and that this intends prayer in the heart, or mental prayer; both... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 61:2

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee ,.... Where he now was, as is observed on the title; see Gill on Psalm 61:1 , though he was distant from his own house, and from the house of God, he did not restrain prayer before him, but continued to cry unto him, and determined to do so; and as the people of God are sometimes forced to flee to distant parts, they have a God still to go to, who is a God afar off, as well as at hand. It may be the psalmist may represent the church in Gospel... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 61:3

For thou hast been a shelter for me ,.... Or "refuge" F25 מחסה "asylum", Tigurine version, Vatablus; "perfagium", Cocceius; "refugium", Michaelis. , from avenging justice; a hiding place and covert from the storms and tempests of divine wrath; a shadow and a screen from the heat of Satan's fiery darts, and the blast of his terrible temptations, Isaiah 25:4 ; and a strong tower from the enemy : from Satan the devouring lion, from furious persecutors, and every other enemy; see... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 61:4

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever ,.... Under the protection of the Lord, as in a shepherd's tent, or as in one belonging to a general of an army, where are fulness and safety; See Gill on Psalm 27:5 ; or else the tabernacle of the congregation is meant; the house of God, the place of divine and public worship, where he desired and determined always to continue, Psalm 23:6 ; or else the tabernacle which was prefigured by that below, where he knew he should dwell to all eternity.... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 61:1

Hear my cry, O God - In the midst of a long and painful captivity, oppressed with suffering, encompassed with cruel enemies and isolent masters, I address my humble prayer to Thee, O my God. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 61:2

From the end of the earth - ארץ arets should be here translated land, not earth, and so it should be in numerous places besides. But here it seems to mean the country beyond the Euphrates; as it is thought to do, Psalm 65:5 , Psalm 65:8 , called there also the ends of the earth or land. It may be remarked that the Jews were always more pious and devoted to God in their afflictions and captivities, than when in their own land, in ease and affluence. But who can bear prosperity? How... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 61:3

Those hast been a shelter for me - During the whole duration of the captivity God marvellously dealt with the poor Jews; so that, although they were cast down, they were not utterly forsaken. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 61:4

I will abide in thy tabernacle - The greater portion of those Psalms which were composed during and after the captivity, says Calmet, had Levites and priests for their authors. Hence we find the ardent desire so frequently expressed of seeing the temple; of praising God there; of spending their lives in that place, performing the functions of their sacred office. There I shall sojourn; - there I shall dwell, - be at rest, - be in safety, - be covered with thy wings, as a bird in its nest is... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 61:1

Verse 1 1.Hear my cry, O God! It is not exactly ascertained at what time this psalm was composed; but there seems to be some probability in the conjecture, that David had been for a considerable period in possession of the throne before he fell into the circumstances of distress which are here mentioned. I agree with those who refer it to the time of the conspiracy of Absalom; (402) for, had he not been an exile, he could not speak, as in the second verse, of crying from the ends of the earth.... read more

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