Psalms 61:1

_HEAR MY CRY, O GOD; ATTEND UNTO MY PRAYER._ Psalms 61:1 -Two strophes separated by Selah. Prayer in extreme distress; confidence of safety under God's wings (Psalms 61:1); ground of confidence, namely, God has promised him an abiding throne (2 Samuel 7:1); let mercy and truth preserve him, that so he may sing praise forever (Psalms 61:5). The occasion was probably (cf. Psalms 61:2) when he was beyond Jordan in Absalom's rebellion. Title. - UPON NEGINAH - Hebrew, _ NªGIYNAT_ (H5058); a di

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. By using the term _cry, _he would intimate the vehemency of his desire; and it is a word which expresses inward fervency of spirit, without reference to the fact whether he may have prayed aloud, or in a low and subdued tone. The repetition which is employed denotes his diligence and perseverance in prayer, and teaches us that we should not faint and become discouraged in this exercise, because God may n...

1-4 David 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 throne of grace. And that which separates us from other comforts, should drive us nearer to God, the fountain of all comfort. Though the heart is overwhelmed, yet it may be lifted up to God in prayer. Nay, I will cry unto thee, for by that means it will be supported and relieved. Weeping must quicken praying, and not deaden it. God's power and promise are a rock that is higher than we are. This rock is Christ. On the Divine mercy, as on a rock, David desired to rest his soul; but he was like a ship-wrecked sailor, exposed to the billows at the bottom of a rock too high for him to climb without help. David found that he could not be fixed on the Rock of salvation, unle...

PSALM LXI _The psalmist's prayer for those who were banished from their_ _own land, and from the ordinances of God_, 1, 2. _He praises God for his past mercies_, 3; _purposes to devote himself entirely to his service_, 4, 5. _He prays for the king_, 6, 7; _and promises to perform his vow to the Lord daily_, 8. NOTES ON PSALM LXI The _title, To the chief Musician upon Neginath_, נגינת. The verb נגן _nagan_ signifies to _strike_ or _play on a musical instrument,_ especially one of the _stringed_ kind; but the נגינות _neginoth_, as it is written in about...

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; incline the ear to me, Psalms 5:1; Psalms 17:1, Psalms 17:6;...

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

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 the Lord hears and attends unto, and is here requested; which is marvellous grace and condescension in him....

PSALM 61-68 Psalms 61 The Identification of the King with His People _ 1. His cry and their cry (Psalms 61:1)_ 2. His answer and exaltation (Psalms 61:5) The following eight Psalms are grouped together leading up again to the final deliverance of Israel and the glory of the Lord. The question in connection with this Psalm is, who is the king whose years shall be from generations to generations, that is forever, who shall abide in God's presence forever? The ancient Jewish Targum says it is King Messiah, which is the true answer. This is the key to this Psalm. The King, Christ, is seen as identified with the remnant. He walked on earth trusting, having as the dependent Man His shelter in God

LXI. The Psalmist prays from the end of the earth in the confidence that God will protect him. He expresses his desire to dwell in the Temple and ends with a prayer for the king. The Exile is presupposed: further we have no clue to the date except in the mention of the king (see on Psalms 20). We may add, however, that this king seems to be high priest also, for he is to dwell in the tabernacle (Psalms 61:4) and to abide before God (Psalms 61:7). This suits later Maccabean times, but scarcely any other period after the Exile. PSALMS 61:2_ b._ The LXX, with a different text, translates, Thou hast exalted me on a rock: thou hast led me. Jerome, with the present text, translates, When the strong man shall be exalted

NEGINAH. smitings. App-65. TITLE. OF DAVID: i.e. relating to David and to the true David....