Psalms 61

Lead me to the rock that is higher

ear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.a ²From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.b ³For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.c

⁴I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.d ⁵For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. ⁶Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations.

⁷May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. ⁸Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.

Commentary

Psalms 61 is a cry from the edge of despair, a prayer of a king who feels far from safety and longs for the stability of God's presence. The psalmist, traditionally David, speaks from a place of exhaustion and vulnerability, asking to be led to a rock that is higher than himself.

Read full commentary

Bible Dictionary· Psalms 61(2)

Cry Tower

References· Psalms 61

a: v.1 — Philippians 4:6, Psalms 4:1, Psalms 86:6, Psalms 130:2, Psalms 55:1-2, Psalms 5:1-3, Psalms 54:1, Psalms 17:1, Psalms 6:1, Psalms 28:2
b: v.2 — Psalms 18:2, Psalms 139:9-10, Isaiah 32:2, Psalms 62:6, Deuteronomy 4:29, Psalms 77:3, Psalms 62:2, Psalms 18:46, Psalms 27:5, Psalms 142:3
c: v.3 — Proverbs 18:10, Psalms 62:7, Psalms 116:2, Psalms 140:7, Psalms 18:2, 2 Corinthians 1:10, Psalms 4:6-7, Isaiah 46:3-4
d: v.4 — Psalms 23:6, Psalms 27:4, Psalms 91:4, Psalms 17:8, Ruth 2:12, Psalms 57:1, Psalms 63:7, Psalms 15:1, Psalms 62:7, Psalms 91:1

Midvash cross references + OpenBible.info data (CC BY 4.0).

Copied!

Guided study

Study this chapter

A guided session — observe, interpret, apply — that ends in your own note.