As a lament, Psalm 61, though very short,  is one of the more beautiful, and one of the better known hymns that come from it is  “The Rock that is Higher than I” (verse 2).  Most scholars believe that this psalm was written during the time of Absalam’s conspiracy and David’s flight from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15-18).  It is viewed as an individual lament, as David is asking the Lord to “hear my cry” (verse 1) and “prolong the life of the king” (verse 6).

But as short as it is, it obviously is more than that, and it is easy to see why it has been popular for so long as both a congregational song and morning prayer.  Consider verse 2 “from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Then consider verse 5: “you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.” 

That heritage is the covenant God made with David in 2 Samuel 7 – that of our Lord Jesus coming through the Davidic line.  The rest of verse 6 and verse 7 cinch it, as David finishes his prayer making it obvious that it was written after that covenant was made: “Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations! May he be enthroned forever before God…”

Read or listen to audio of ESV version of this selection from this link.

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.  For questions and help, please see the “FAQ” and “Summaries” pages there.