1 To the chief musician, on a stringed instrument, of David.
2 Hear, O God, my cry; attend unto my prayer.
3 From the end of the earth I will call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: to a rock higher than I thou wilt lead me.
4 For thou hast been a refuge unto me, a tower of strength from before the enemy.
5 I will sojourn in thy tent for ever, I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
6 For thou, O God, hast heard my vows, thou hast given [me] the inheritance of those that fear thy name.
7 Thou wilt add days to the days of the king; his years shall be as many generations (lit. generation and generation).
8 He shall abide (sit) before God for ever: mercy and truth afford; let them preserve him.
9 So will I sing psalms to thy name for ever, paying my vows from day to day.
Notes on Psalm 61
This is “To the chief musician, on a stringed instrument, of David.” Here it is the soul mere than the people and their enemies. And though the heart is overwhelmed, the cry is to God. From the end of the earth is strange and sad for a Jew, but makes no difference to God, Whose chastening is accepted, and His leading to a Rock higher than himself is counted on. He cannot fail, though His people do. Nor does the Spirit look for a refuge only but “the king,” not as erst to be rejected, but to abide for ever. So will the godly praise His name for ever, performing vows day by day.