Psalms 61

Lead me to the rock that is higher

God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!a ²From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety,b ³for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.c

⁴Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interluded ⁵For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name. ⁶Add many years to the life of the king! May his years span the generations!

⁷May he reign under God’s protection forever. May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him. ⁸Then I will sing praises to your name forever as I fulfill my vows each 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.

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Bible Dictionary· Psalms 61(1)

Cry

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

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