Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 61

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 to my prayer — Give ear; incline the ear to me (Psalms 5:1; Psalms 17:1, 6; Psalms 39:12; Psalms 71:2).

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee - This language is derived from the idea that the earth is one extended plain, and that it has limits or boundaries. Such language is common in the Scriptures, and indeed is in constant use now, even though we know that the earth is globular, and that there are no parts which can properly be called “the ends of the earth.” The meaning is plain. The psalmist was far from the place where he was accustomed to live; or, in other words, he was in exile or in banishment. The language agrees well with the supposition that the psalm was composed when David was driven from his home and his throne by Absalom, and was in exile beyond the Jordan (2 Samuel 17:22). Compare (Psalms 42:1–11).

When my heart is overwhelmed - The word used here - עטף ‛âṭaph - means properly to cover, as with a garment (Psalms 73:6); then, with grain - as a field (Psalms 65:14); then, with darkness or calamity (Psalms 102, title); (Isaiah 57:16). The meaning here is that darkness or calamity seemed to have covered or enveloped his soul. He saw no light; he had no comfort. Compare (Psalms 42:3), (Psalms 42:6–7).

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I - To a rock; to some place of refuge; to some stronghold where I may be safe. The allusion is to God as such a rock or place of refuge. See the notes at (Psalms 18:2). The idea is that he had no strength in himself; that if he depended on himself, he could not be safe. He was, as it were, in a low valley, exposed to every enemy. He wished to be put in a place of safety. To such a place of safety - to Himself - he prayed that God would lead him.

We need one much higher than we are to save us. A Saviour - a Redeemer - on the same level with ourselves could not help us. We must have one that is supreme over all things; one that is divine.

For you have been a shelter for me - A place of refuge; a place where I have found safety. He refers here to what had occurred in former times. God had protected him when in danger, and he pleads that fact as a reason why God should now interpose and deliver him. That reason seems to be founded on two considerations:

1. God had thus shown that he had power to deliver him; and
2. It might be expected that God who is unchangeable, and who had interposed, would manifest the same traits of character still, and would not leave him now.

Both of these are proper grounds for prayer.

And strong tower from the enemy - See the notes at Psalm 18:2.

I will abide in your tabernacle for ever—This expresses the confident assurance that he would be restored to his home, and to the privileges of public worship. The word "forever" here means perpetually; that is, his permanent home would be there, or he would dwell with God who dwelt in the tabernacle.

The word “tabernacle” refers to the sacred tent which was erected for the worship of God, within which were the ark, the tables of the law, the table of showbread, etc. In the innermost part of that tent—the holy of holies—the symbol of the divine presence rested on the mercy-seat or cover of the ark of the covenant. David regarded it as a great privilege to abide near that sacred tent; near to the place of public worship; near to the place where God was supposed to dwell.

See notes on Psalms 23:6; Psalms 26:8; Psalms 27:4. It is possible that his mind looked beyond the tabernacle on earth to an eternal residence in the very presence of God; to his being admitted into his own sacred abode in heaven.

I will trust in the covert of your wings—Margin: "Make my refuge." See the notes at Psalms 17:8. Compare Psalms 36:7; Psalms 57:1. The idea is that he would seek and find protection in God—as young birds do under the outstretched wings of the parent bird.

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows—that is, my prayers accompanied with solemn pledges or promises that I will devote myself to your service. In some way David had the assurance that those vows and prayers had been heard; that God would answer his supplications—that he would restore him to his home, and to the privilege of uniting with others in the sacred services of the sanctuary. In what way he had this assurance we are not informed, but the statement here accords with what we often find in the Psalms. His troubled mind became calm, for he looked upon the blessing as already granted.

He entertained no doubt that what he had asked would be bestowed. The mind of a true believer often feels this assurance now. Somehow he feels an undoubting persuasion that the prayer which he has offered has been heard, that God will be merciful, and that the blessing which has been sought will assuredly be conferred.

No one can doubt that there may be danger of illusion here—for we are not inspired, as David was. However, no one can prove that God may not impart such a gracious assurance to the soul. Nor can anyone show that it is wrong for a believer to allow peace to flow into his soul, in the confident hope that the blessing he has sought will be his.

Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name—the heirship which pertains to them; the privileges of those who are the true children of God. One of these privileges is that of prayer; another is the peace which results from adoption into the family of God—the feeling that we are his heirs. Compare the notes at Romans 8:16-17.