Psalms Chapter 61

“Hear my cry, O God, etc.] 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.”

“Neginah--or, Neginoth (see on Psa 4:1, title). Separated from his usual spiritual privileges, perhaps by Absalom's rebellion, the Psalmist prays for divine aid, and, in view of past mercies, with great confidence of being heard. (Psa 61:1-8) From the end--that is, places remote from the sanctuary (Deu 28:64).”

“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; Psalms 39:12; Psalms 71:2. return to 'Top of Page'”

“The end - To which David was driven. Lead me - Convey me into some high and secure fortress. Psalms 61:4”

“Pss 61–63 In these royal prayers, the psalmist longs for God’s presence. All three psalms concern themselves with the king’s security. Ps 61 The lamenting psalmist petitions God to protect him and lead him into his presence (61:4-5). He prays for God to extend and protect the king’s rule and makes vows to praise God.”

“Hear: Psa 5:1-3, Psa 17:1, Psa 28:2, Psa 55:1, Psa 55:2, Psa 130:2; Phi 4:6 Psalms 61:2”

“Hurled out of the land of the Lord in the more limited sense (Note: Just as in Num 32:29. the country east of Jordan is excluded from the name "the land of Canaan" in the stricter sense, so by the Jewish mind it was regarded from the earliest time to a certain extent as a foreign country (חוצה לארץ), although inhabited by the two tribes and a half; so that not only is it said of Moses that he died in a foreign land, but even of Saul that he is buried in a foreign land (Numeri Rabba, ch. viii. and elsewhere).) into the country on the other side of the Jordan, David felt only as though he were banished to the…”