Psalm Sixty One

by Dr. Henry M. Morris

(taken from the Defender's Study Bible)

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To the chief Musician upon Neginah, A Psalm of David.

Neginah. The term “neginah,” meaning “stringed instrument,” is essentially the singular of “neginoth” (e.g., Psalm 4). The stringed instrument was probably that of David himself.

Psalm 61:1 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.

Psalm 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

end of the earth. David was away from his home in Jerusalem, where he was king (Psalm 61:6), so this psalm was probably written while he was in exile during Absalom's rebellion.

higher than I. David was a great king, so the only one higher would be God Himself. Note Psalm 18:2. The Lord is not only our Rock but also our strong Tower (Psalm 61:3).

Psalm 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

Psalm 61:4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah

Psalm 61:5 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

Psalm 61:6 Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations.

Psalm 61:7 He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

Psalm 61:8 So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.