Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 61

From the end of the earth ... — A hyperbolic expression for a great distance. Isaiah (Isaiah 5:26) uses the expression of Assyria, and it would be natural in an exile’s mouth, but must not be pressed to maintain any theory of the psalm’s date.

When my heart is overwhelmed. — Literally, in the covering of my heart, the verb being used (Psalms 65:13) of the valleys covered with corn, and metaphorically, as here, of the garment of heaviness, which wraps a sad heart (Psalms 102 (title); Isaiah 57:16). (Compare Tennyson’s “muffled round with woe.”)

Lead me to the rock ... — Literally, upon the rock lead me, which is probably a constructio prægnans for lead me to the rock too high for me to climb by myself, and place me there. The elevated rock is a symbol of security, which cannot be obtained without the Divine help. Others take the expression as figurative for a difficulty which it needs God’s help to surmount.

A strong tower. —Compare to Proverbs 18:10.

I will abide. —Rather, Let me be a guest in, etc. (Psalms 27:4).

Your tabernacle ... —It is difficult to decide whether this indicates the Mosaic tabernacle, and so may be used as an index of the date of the poem; or whether the tent is a general figure for the protection of God, wherever it may be found. It certainly recalls Psalm 23:6.

For ever. —Literally, for ages or æons. For the same plural, see Psalm 145:13.

I will trust ... —Rather, let me find refuge under the shelter of your wings. (For the image, see Note Psalm 17:8).

Heritage. — As the Authorised Version reads, the heritage is length of days, one promised generally to those who fear Jehovah (Proverbs 10:27; Proverbs 19:23), and particularly to Israel (Deuteronomy 6:2) and its kings (Deuteronomy 17:19–20, which passage may have been in the psalmist’s mind). But the Septuagint and Vulgate read, “to them that fear thy name,” meaning, of course, by the heritage, Canaan.

See margin, and render as a prayer.