1 <To the chief music-maker. On a corded instrument. Of David.> Let my cry come to you, O God; let your ears be open to my prayer.
<To the chief music-maker on corded instruments. A Psalm. Of David.> Give answer to my cry, O God of my righteousness; make me free from my troubles; have mercy on me, and give ear to my prayer.
<To the chief music-maker, on Neginoth. Maschil. Of David.> Give hearing to my prayer, O God; and let not your ear be shut against my request. Give thought to me, and let my prayer be answered: I have been made low in sorrow;
<To the chief music-maker on wind instruments. A Psalm. Of David.> Give ear to my words, O Lord; give thought to my heart-searchings. Let the voice of my cry come to you, my King and my God; for to you will I make my prayer. My voice will come to you in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I send my prayer to you, and keep watch.
<To the chief music-maker on corded instruments, on the Sheminith. A Psalm. Of David.> O Lord, do not be bitter with me in your wrath; do not send punishment on me in the heat of your passion.
Give ear to the voice of my prayer, when I am crying to you, when my hands are lifted up to your holy place.
<To the chief music-maker; on Neginoth. Maschil. Of David. When the Ziphites came and said to Saul, Is not David keeping himself secret among us?> Let your name be my salvation, O God; let my cause be judged by your strength.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 61
Commentary on Psalms 61 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 61
Ps 61:1-8. Neginah—or, Neginoth (see on Ps 4:1, title). Separated from his usual spiritual privileges, perhaps by Absalom's rebellion, the Psalmist prays for divine aid, and, in view of past mercies, with great confidence of being heard.
1-3. From the end—that is, places remote from the sanctuary (De 28:64).
2. heart is overwhelmed—literally, "covered over with darkness," or, "distress."
to the rock—(Ps 18:2; 40:2).
higher than I—which otherwise I cannot ascend.
3. shelter … and strong tower—repeat the same sentiment.
4. I will abide—So I desire to do (compare Ps 23:6).
trust in the covert, &c.—make my refuge, in the shadow (compare Ps 17:8; 36:7).
5. the heritage—or, part in the spiritual blessings of Israel (Ps 21:2-4).
vows—implies prayers.
6, 7. the king—himself and his royal line ending in Christ. Mercy and truth personified, as in Ps 40:11; 57:3.
7. abide before God—literally, "sit as a king in God's presence," under His protection.
8. Thus for new blessings will new vows of praise ever be paid.