The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-8

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

This short psalm is one of much beauty, and was sung daily at Matins in the earliest ages of the Church. It is, however, somewhat obscure, especially in its later portion, where a king is spoken of (Psalms 61:6), who may be David, or may represent David's house, or may be the Messiah, the "King" of Psalms 2:6. The Davidical authorship, asserted in the "title," is probable, though some contend for a captive exile of a later date. The psalm consists of an earnest prayer (Psalms 2:1, Psalms 2:2), followed by expressions of trust and confidence (Psalms 2:3-7), and by a burst of praise in conclusion (Psalms 2:8). Metrically, it consists of two strophes of four verses each, separated by the pause mark, "Selah."

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Matthew Henry on Psalms 61:1-4Psalms 61:1-4 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryDavid begins with prayers and tears, but ends with praise. Thus the soul, being lifted up to God, returns to the enjoyment of itself. Wherever we are, we have liberty to draw near to God, and may find a way open to the…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-8Psalms 61:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe 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,…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-4Psalms 61:1-4 · The Pulpit CommentaryA 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…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1Psalms 61:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryHear 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."

commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 61:1-4David begins with prayers and tears, but ends with praise. Thus the soul, being lifted up to God, returns to the enjoyment of itself. Wherever we are, we have liberty to draw near to God, and may find a way open to the…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1Hear 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."Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-8The 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,…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-4A 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…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:2From 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, Med…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:3For 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 fortre…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:4I 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 tabern…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 61:5-8There is a people in the world that fear God's name. There is a heritage peculiar to that people; present comforts in the soul, earnests of future bliss. Those that fear God have enough in him, and must not complain. We…Matthew Henry