Psalm 61

Authorship

This Psalm was authored by David.

Outline

(This began as Wendland's Expository Outline, but may be adapted.)

I. The prayer of an exile. (1-2)

A. Hear my cry, O God.

B. Attend unto my prayer.

C. I am crying from the end of the earth.

D. My heart is overwhelmed.

II. What God has been like to the psalmist. (2-3) 144

A. A high rock.

B. A shelter.

C. A strong tower from the enemy.

III. What the psalmist will do. (4)

A. Abide in Thy tabernacle for ever.

B. Trust in the covert of Thy wings.

IV. What God has done. (5-7)

A. Heard his vows.

B. Given him the heritage of those that fear Thy name.

C. Prolonged his life and years.

D. Enabled him to abide before God forever.

E. Preserved him by mercy and truth.

V. What the psalmist will do. (8)

A. Sing God’s praise forever.

B. Daily perform his vows.

Textual Criticism

The following is from Barthélemy's Critique textuelle de l’Ancien Testament volume on the Psalms. For a key to the various symbols and abbreviations, click here.

Ps 61,3(2)A יָרוּם מִמֶּנִּי {B} MT, α', σ', Hebr, T // assim-27,3: G / lic: S

Ps 61,3(2)B תַנְחֵנִי {A} MT, G, α', σ', Hebr, T // exeg: S

Ps 61,6(5) יְרֻשַּׁת {A}