Psa 61:1-3 | Clarke | e4.org | PSALM LXI The psalmist's prayer for those who were banished from their own land, and from the ordinances of God , 1, 2. He praises God for his past mercies , 3; purposes to devote himself entirely to his service , 4, 5. He prays for the king , 6, 7; and promises to perform his vow to the Lord daily , 8. NOTES ON PSALM LXI The title, To the chief Musician upon Neginath , . The verb nagan signifies to strike or play on a musical instrument, especially one of the stringed kind; but the neginoth , as it is written in about thirty MSS., may signify either the players on the instruments or the instruments themselves. The Psalm appears to have been written about the close of the captivity, and the most judicious interpreters refer it to that period. On this supposition the notes are formed. Verse 1. Hear my cry, O God ] In the midst of a long and painful captivity, oppressed with suffering, encompassed with cruel enemies and insolent masters, I address my humble prayer to THEE, O my God .

‏ Psalms 61:1-3

PSALM LXI

The psalmist's prayer for those who were banished from their own land, and from the ordinances of God, 1, 2.

He praises God for his past mercies, 3;

purposes to devote himself entirely to his service, 4, 5.

He prays for the king, 6, 7;

and promises to perform his vow to the Lord daily, 8.

NOTES ON PSALM LXI

The title, To the chief Musician upon Neginath, . The verb nagan signifies to strike or play on a musical instrument, especially one of the stringed kind; but the neginoth, as it is written in about thirty MSS., may signify either the players on the instruments or the instruments themselves. The Psalm appears to have been written about the close of the captivity, and the most judicious interpreters refer it to that period. On this supposition the notes are formed.

Verse 1. Hear my cry, O God] In the midst of a long and painful captivity, oppressed with suffering, encompassed with cruel enemies and insolent masters, I address my humble prayer to THEE, O my God.

Verse 2. From the end of the earth] arets should be here translated land, not earth, and so it should be in numerous places besides. But here it seems to mean the country beyond the Euphrates; as it is thought to do, Ps 65:5, 8, called there also the ends of the earth or land. It may be remarked that the Jews were always more pious and devoted to God in their afflictions and captivities, than when in their own land, in ease and affluence. But who can bear prosperity? How many hearts filled with heavenly ardour in affliction and persecution have grown cold under the beams of the sun of prosperity!

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.] Direct me to a place of refuge and safety. It is a metaphorical expression; and Calmet interprets it of the liberty granted to the Jews by Cyrus to return to their own land. This was a privilege far higher than any thing they could expect. The fathers think Jesus Christ is meant by this high rock.

Verse 3. Thou hast been a shelter for me] During the whole duration of the captivity God marvellously dealt with the poor Jews; so that, although they were cast down, they were not utterly forsaken.