Psalms, PSALM 61 | USCCB (original) (raw)
PSALM 61*
Prayer of the King in Time of Danger
1For the leader; with stringed instruments. Of David.
I
2Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer!
3From the ends of the earth* I call;
my heart grows faint.
Raise me up, set me on a rock,
4for you are my refuge,
a tower of strength against the foe.a
5Let me dwell in your tent forever,
take refuge in the shelter of your wings.b
Selah
II
6For you, O God, have heard my vows,
you have granted me the heritage of those who revere your name.
7Add days to the life of the king;
may his years be as from generation to generation;c
8dMay he reign before God forever;
send your love and fidelity* to preserve him—e
9I will duly sing to your name forever,
fulfill my vows day after day.
* [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.
b. [61:5] Ps 17:8; 36:8; 57:2.