The author of this Psalm is far from Jerusalem. Though his prayers have in part been answered, and he can look forward to his return with confidence, he is still in dispiriting circumstances. He is either a king, or one closely connected with a king and deeply interested in his welfare. At first sig... [ Continue Reading ]
_my cry … my prayer_ Synonynas often coupled together to express the urgency of supplication. Cp. Psalms 17:1; 1 Kings 8:28; Jeremiah 7:16; Jeremiah 11:14.... [ Continue Reading ]
David prays that God will prove Himself a refuge as in time past, and that he may again live in His presence and under His protection in Jerusalem.... [ Continue Reading ]
_From the end of the earth_ Perhaps, _from the end of the land_. But Jerusalem, the dwelling-place of God, is for him the centre of the earth. He measures his distance from it not by miles but by the intensity of his yearning to be there, in the place where the visible pledges of God's Presence were... [ Continue Reading ]
For thou hast been a refuge for me, A strong tower from the enemy (R.V.). He appeals to past experience. "In Thee have I taken refuge" is the constant cry with which faith approaches God (Psalms 7:1; Psalms 11:1; Psalms 16:1; Psalms 31:1; Psalms 57:1; Psalms 71:1; &c.). In Psalms 18:2 David addres... [ Continue Reading ]
Let me sojourn in thy tent for ever: Let me take refuge in the hidingplace of thy wings. The words are a prayer. In his banishment he prays that he may once more be received as Jehovah's guest, to enjoy His protection and hospitality, to dwell in the place which He has consecrated by His Presence... [ Continue Reading ]
_host heard my vows_ Vows accompanied by prayers. _thou hast given_me _the heritage of those that fear thy name Me_is not in the original; and it is best to supply the remoter object of the verb from the complement of the nearer object, and render with LXX, (Vulg.), Jer., P.B.V., thou hast given (th... [ Continue Reading ]
Such prayers David can offer in confidence, for his prayers have already been partially answered. He can look forward in faith to the fulfilment of the promises God has made to His king, and he will spend the rest of his life in grateful thanksgiving.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou wilt prolong the king's life_ Lit., _Thou wilt add days to the days of the king_. Cp. 2 Kings 20:6. From speaking of the people (Psalms 61:5), David passes to speak of himself. His life had been in danger: but now the danger was over. At first sight the words may seem to be those of another, s... [ Continue Reading ]
_He shall abide before God for ever_ Rather, He shall sit enthroned before God for ever, an allusion to the promise of eternal dominion to the house of David, -in the presence of God," enjoying His favour and protection. See 2 Samuel 7:16 (read with LXX _before me_), 26, 29; Psalms 21:6; Psalms 89:3... [ Continue Reading ]
The preservation of a life demands lifelong thanksgiving. Cp. Psalms 50:14. If David is the speaker in Psalms 61:6, the return to the first person in this resolution is entirely natural: otherwise the transition is harsh. Very pathetic is the paraphrase of the Targum. "So will I pay my vows in the... [ Continue Reading ]