Psalm 61:3-5

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 61:5-8

In these verses we may observe, I. With what pleasure David looks back upon what God had done for him formerly (Ps. 61:5): Thou, O God! hast heard my vows, that is, 1. ?The vows themselves which I made, and with which I bound my soul: thou hast taken notice of them; thou hast accepted them, because made in sincerity, and been well pleased with them; thou hast been mindful of them, and put me in mind of them.? God put Jacob in mind of his vows, Gen. 31:13; 35:1. Note, God is a witness to all... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 61:5

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows ,.... Or "my prayers", as the Septuagint and other versions. Vows are so called, because it was usual to make vows in trouble, when prayer was made to the Lord for help and deliverance, Psalm 66:13 . This is a reason why the psalmist was encouraged to put his trust in the Lord, because his prayers were heard by him; or he was sure they would be, as he had entreated, Psalm 61:1 . The past is put for the future, as Kimchi and Ben Melech observe; and it... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 61:5

Hast heard my vows - Often have I purposed to be wholly thine, - to serve thee alone, - to give up my whole life to thy service: and thou hast heard me, and taken me at my word; and given me that heritage, the privilege of enjoying thee in thy ordinances, which is the lot of them that fear thy name. The Psalm seems to have been composed either after the captivity, or at the time that Cyrus published his decree in their favor, as has been remarked before. read more

John Calvin

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 61:5

Verse 5 5.For thou, O God! hast heard my vows. He here shows the grounds upon which he had spoken of his abiding under the wings of God. The sudden joy which he experienced arose from the circumstance of God’s having heard his prayers, and made light to spring out of darkness. By his vows we must understand his prayers, according to a common figure of speech by which the part is taken for the whole, having made vows when he prayed. In general, he would acknowledge himself indebted for his... read more

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