Matthew Henry on Psalms 61:1-4

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

David begins with prayers and tears, but ends with praise. Thus the soul, being lifted up to God, returns to the enjoyment of itself. Wherever we are, we have liberty to draw near to God, and may find a way open to the throne of grace.

And that which separates us from other comforts, should drive us nearer to God, the fountain of all comfort. Though the heart is overwhelmed, yet it may be lifted up to God in prayer. Nay, I will cry unto thee, for by that means it will be supported and relieved.

Weeping must quicken praying, and not deaden it. God's power and promise are a rock that is higher than we are. This rock is Christ. On the Divine mercy, as on a rock, David desired to rest his soul; but he was like a ship-wrecked sailor, exposed to the billows at the bottom of a rock too high for him to climb without help.

David found that he could not be fixed on the Rock of salvation, unless the Lord placed him upon it. As there is safety in Him, and none in ourselves, let us pray to be led to and fixed upon Christ our Rock.

The service of God shall be his constant work and business: all must make it so who expect to find God their shelter and strong tower. The grace of God shall be his constant comfort.

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The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-8Psalms 61:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe power of prayer in trouble. "My cry." Every one has his own needs. Think how it is this day. In how many lands, by what various voices, with what manifold emotions, the cries of men are uttered! What sighs of pain,…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-4Psalms 61:1-4 · The Pulpit CommentaryA cry from the wilderness. I. THE HEART BECOMES "FAINT" WHEN IT IS CONSCIOUS OF BEING FAR FROM GOD. (Psalms 61:1.) II. WHEN THUS OVERWHELMED (OR FAINT), OUR DIFFICULTIES ARE TOO GREAT FOR US. (Psalms 61:2.) III. WE ARE…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-8Psalms 61:1-8 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION This short psalm is one of much beauty, and was sung daily at Matins in the earliest ages of the Church. It is, however, somewhat obscure, especially in its later portion, where a king is spoken of (Psalms 61…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1Psalms 61:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryHear my cry, O God (see the comment on Psalms 17:1). The word rinnah expresses a shrill, piercing cry, but one which may be of joy or of lamentation. Attend unto my prayer; i.e. "hear and answer it."

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1Hear my cry, O God (see the comment on Psalms 17:1). The word rinnah expresses a shrill, piercing cry, but one which may be of joy or of lamentation. Attend unto my prayer; i.e. "hear and answer it."Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-8The power of prayer in trouble. "My cry." Every one has his own needs. Think how it is this day. In how many lands, by what various voices, with what manifold emotions, the cries of men are uttered! What sighs of pain,…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-4A cry from the wilderness. I. THE HEART BECOMES "FAINT" WHEN IT IS CONSCIOUS OF BEING FAR FROM GOD. (Psalms 61:1.) II. WHEN THUS OVERWHELMED (OR FAINT), OUR DIFFICULTIES ARE TOO GREAT FOR US. (Psalms 61:2.) III. WE ARE…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:1-8EXPOSITION This short psalm is one of much beauty, and was sung daily at Matins in the earliest ages of the Church. It is, however, somewhat obscure, especially in its later portion, where a king is spoken of (Psalms 61…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee. Eastern hyperbole may call the Trans-Jordanic territory "the end of the earth," but certainly the expression would be more natural in the mouth of an exile in Assyria, Med…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:3For thou hast been a Shelter for me. In the past thou hast often been my "Shelter" or my "Refuge" (comp. Psalms 18:2; Psalms 44:7, Psalms 44:11; Psalms 48:3, etc.); be so once more. And a strong Tower. A migdal—a fortre…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 61:4I will abide in thy tabernacle forever. As the psalmist is in exile, at "the end of the earth" (Psalms 61:2), the literal "tabernacle" cannot be intended. A spiritual abiding in the heavenly dwelling, whereof the tabern…Joseph S. Exell and contributors