Bible Commentaries
Psalms 61

Verses 1-8

Psalms 61

A Strong Tower of Protection

This is a psalm-prayer of David, under extreme distress. It has two strophes, with the first closing with the meditation pause, "Selah;" They are: Strophe 1, v. 1-4; Strophe 2, v. 5-8. It was perhaps written when he was beyond Jordan, under Absalom’s rebellion.

Scripture v. 1-8:

Verses 1, 2 are an outcry of David to God. He was in an exile land, far away from Jerusalem and his homeland, where God manifested Himself. He plead with God to hear or give heed to his lonely cry, as his heart was heavy laden, pressed down in despond, "to the ends of the earth;" literally wherever he wandered, far from home, Psalms 107:5; Psalms 77:3. He asked God to "lead him to the rock," that was "too high for him," to climb or ascend for safety, by his natural strength. And "that rock was Christ," 1 Corinthians 10:4; Exodus 17:6; John 4:13-14; 1 Peter 2:8.

Verse 3 declared that the God of protection, had been his shelter and strong tower from the face of the enemy all his days, as set forth Proverbs 18:10; Psalms 18:2.

Verse 4 vows "I will abide (reside) in thy tabernacle for ever," on and on, without departure, Psalms 27:4. Even there he would permanently dwell, committed to the care and service of the Lord, in priority of his life, Psalms 21:4; Matthew 6:33. He added that he would "trust in the covert," (warm place of security) of thy wings, a safe refuge, Matthew 23:37; Psalms 36:7. "Selah," meditate on, digest, and find spiritual nourishment in this.

The ground of his confidence was the prophetic work of God, as foretold 2Samuel Ch. 7.

Verse 5 asserts that he believed God had heard his vows, known his priority resolves, and given him an heritage of those who heeded or revered His name, Psalms 21:2-4; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. The heritage was lengthened life and an abiding kingdom, Luke 1:32-33.

Verse 6 adds in confidence, "thou wilt prolong the king’s life; and even his years as many generations," as also set forth Psalms 21:4; Isaiah 38:5. In Christ his posterity found is real fulfillment, as David’s seed, Matthew 1:1; Genesis 15:18; 2 Samuel 7:8-16; Acts 2:25-36; Romans 1:3.

Verse 7 asserts "He (David), or his seed (Jesus Christ) shall abide (reside) before God for ever," of whose kingdom "there shall be or exist no end," no termination, Luke 1:31-33; 1 Corinthians 15:24. Then David ap­peals to God for "mercy and truth," Divine intervention, that should pre­serve him for ever. Here is the source of refuge, in the High-tower-rock, Jesus Christ, the king eternal, Isaiah 26:20; Isaiah 32:2. See also Psalms 41:2; Isaiah 9:6-7. Mercy and truth from God do preserve men, even as their attributes preserve the influence of the believer, who shows them, in his behavior, Genesis 24:27; Genesis 32:10; Psalms 43:3.

Verse 8 concludes that in this context of faith he will sing and praise the name and honor of God for ever, a noble resolve for every child of God, Psalms 107:2; Matthew 5:15-16; James 1:22. this he resolved to do daily, carrying out his vow to follow the Lord, always, Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23; Romans 12:1-2.