The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 61:1
Hear my cry, O God (see the comment on Psalms 17:1 ). The word rinnah expresses a shrill, piercing cry, but one which may be of joy or of lamentation. Attend unto my prayer; i.e. "hear and answer it." read more
Psalm 61:1-4 Esv
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 61:1-4
A cry from the wilderness. I. THE HEART BECOMES " FAINT " WHEN IT IS CONSCIOUS OF BEING FAR FROM GOD . ( Psalms 61:1 .) II. WHEN THUS OVERWHELMED ( OR FAINT ), OUR DIFFICULTIES ARE TOO GREAT FOR US . ( Psalms 61:2 .) III. WE ARE THEN DRIVEN FOR HELP TO GOD , WHO ALONE CAN ENABLE US TO SURMOUNT THEM . "Land me upon the rock that is too high for me." IV. PAST EXPERIENCE WARRANTS US TO... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 61:1-8
The power of prayer in trouble. "My cry." Every one has his own needs. Think how it is this day. In how many lands, by what various voices, with what manifold emotions, the cries of men are uttered! What sighs of pain, what plaints of desire, what passionate prayers for help, go up to heaven! Who but God could "attend" to them all? Moses groaned under "the burden of all the people" ( Numbers 11:11 ). Paul was oppressed with "the care of all the Churches" ( 2 Corinthians 11:28 ). But... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
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
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 61:3
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
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 61:4
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
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 61:1
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
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 61:2
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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John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 61:3
Verse 3 3.For thou hast been my hope Here we may suppose, either that he calls to his remembrance such benefits as he had formerly received, or that he congratulates himself upon deliverance which he had presently experienced. There is much probability in either supposition. Nothing animates our hopes more than the recollection of the past goodness of God, and, in the midst of his prayers, we frequently find David indulging in reflections of this kind. On the other hand, the remainder of the... read more