USB ~ Psalms 61

Prayer of the King in Time of Danger

1 For the leader; with stringed instruments. Of David.

2 Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer!

3 From the ends of the earth† I call; my heart grows faint. Raise me up, set me on a rock,

4 for you are my refuge, a tower of strength against the foe. a

5 Let me dwell in your tent forever, take refuge in the shelter of your wings. b Selah

6 For you, O God, have heard my vows, you have granted me the heritage of those who revere your name.

7 Add days to the life of the king; may his years be as from generation to generation; c

8 dMay he reign before God forever; send your love and fidelity† to preserve him—e

9 I will duly sing to your name forever, fulfill my vows day after day.

Footnotes

†. Psalm 61 A lament of the king who feels himself at the brink of death (Ps 61:3) and cries out for the strong and saving presence of God (Ps 61:3b-5). The king cites the prayer being made for him (Ps 61:7-8), and promises to give thanks to God.

†. 61:3 Ends of the earth: “earth” being taken in its occasional meaning “the underworld,” cf. Jon 2:3.

†. 61:8 Send your love and fidelity: as in Ps 43:3 the psalmist asks God to send these two divine attributes like angels to protect the king.

61:4 Ps 46:2.
61:5 Ps 17:8; 36:8; 57:2.
61:7 Ps 21:5.
61:8 Ps 72:5; 89:5, 30, 37.
61:8 Ps 85:11; 89:15, 25; Prv 20:28.