Psalms 61

David being fled and in great danger, prayeth for deliverance according to his faith, and Gods formers mercies, assuring himself, that God would prolong his life here, and hereafter give him life everlasting, for the Messias sake, of whose unperishable Kingdom he prophesieth, with promise of thankfulness.

1. A Psalm) of David: for the chief Songmaster, on Neginath. [See of the Hebrew word, which is used here in the singular number, Psalm 4.on verse 1.]

2. O God hear my cry, mark my prayer.

3. From the end of the land [Or, from the utmost, etc. Whither he was forced to fly and retire himself, because of Absolom, 2 Sam.17.verse 24. To which story some apply this Psalm] do I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: [or, covered over, viz.with fear and straight, care and grief. Compare Psalm 77.verse 4. And 102.verse 1. And 107.5. and 142.4. and 143.4. item Lam.2.11,12,19.] Lead me upon a rock, (that) may be too high for me. [i.e. into a safe place of retreat, whither I shall not be able to get in or up, without thy help and power.]

4. For thou hast been a refuge to me, a strong Tower [Heb. Tower of strength] before the enemy. [Heb. From the face of the Enemy, that is, to secure, safeguard, and protect me, before or against mine enemy.]

5. I shall coverse in thy tent (in) eternities: [i.e. abide or continue in thy tabernacle for a long time here on earth yet, and afterward in heaven, whereof the Tabernacle was but a type, to all eternity. See below on v.6.] I will take, (or have) my refuge in the secret (or hidden) of thy wings, [which the Scripture elsewhere declareth by the shadow of the wings. See Ruth 2.on v.12. and above Psalms 57:2.] Sela! [see Psalm 3.on ver.3.]

6. For thou O God, hast hearkened to my vows: [i.e. to my prayers, which I presented unto thee with vows and promises of thankfulness, according to the custom of the Saints. See Gen.28.20. Judges 11:30,31. And Psalms 132:2. and 116.18. and below verse 9.] thou hast given (me) the inheritance of them that fear thy Name. [he reflecteth upon the land of Canaan, over which God had ordained him King, with promise of his protection; confidence, that he would not cast him out again thence, much less out of the inheritance of the Celestial Canaan, whereof the earthly here was but a pledge and figure. See Hebrews 11:8,10,13,14,15,16.]

7. Thou shalt add days, [Or, add days, by way of prayer: and so for the sequel] to (or, above, upon) the Kings days: [understanding himself (notwithstanding the enemies sought by all means to shorten them or cut him off from the enjoyment of more) but especially the Lord Christ his son after the flesh, whose type he was. Compare 2 Sam.7.13,16. Psalm 72.and 89.21,30,37,38.] his years shall be, as from generation to generation. [Heb. As generation, i.e. unto, or, for all generations.]

8. He shall sit before Gods forever; [Reigning in his Throne, see Psalms 29:10. Luke 1:32,33. Acts 2:30.] prepared kindness and truth, [or, appoint, order, as his appointed and prepared portion; In the Hebrew the same word is used, Man, which the heavenly Man, or Manna had, wherewith God fed the Israelites in the Wilderness, as with food prepared and appointed for them] that they may keep him.

9. So shall I sing Psalms to thy Name in eternity, that I may pay [or, paying] my vows [See above v.6. and Job 22.on v.27.] day by day. [Heb. Day, i.e. day by day, daily. See Gen.39.on verse 10. Item Psalms 68:20.Isa.58.2.]