Bible Commentaries
Psalms 61

Verses 1-8

PSALM 61

The cry of an outcast whose spirit, though overwhelmed, looks to God as his rock, to save from the floods by which he is surrounded.

(vv. 1-2) The psalmist cries to God from the end of the earth (or “land”). Thus the enemy is in possession of the sanctuary, while the godly man is driven out. Though overwhelmed with distress, the soul sees there is a rock that rises above the floods. In spite of his distress, he is confident that God will lead him to this place of security, for he can say, “Thou wilt lead me on to a rock” (JND).

(v. 3) His confidence in God is the result of his experience of God; for he says, “Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.” He has found in God a shelter from the storm, and a defence against those opposed to him

(v. 4) With God before his soul, he is lifted above the overwhelming floods, and can look on with confidence to a bright future when he will dwell in the presence of God for ever. Until then he will trust in the protecting care of God - the covert of His wings.

(vv. 5-8) Conscious of being heard, he has the assurance that he will inherit the portion of those who fear God's name; though at the moment he may be at “the end of the earth.” The ground of his confidence is that Christ - the King - had passed through the circumstances of the godly, and His years had been prolonged, so that He is “before God for ever.” If the King abides before God for ever (v. 7), then those who are subject to the King “abide...for ever.” (v. 4) The one that abides for ever will sing praises to God for ever.