Psalm 61 - New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)

Psalm 61[a]

Prayer of the King in Time of Danger

1 For the leader; with stringed instruments. Of David.

I

2 Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer!
3 From the ends of the earth[b] I call;
my heart grows faint.
Raise me up, set me on a rock,
4 for you are my refuge,
a tower of strength against the foe.(A)
5 Let me dwell in your tent forever,
take refuge in the shelter of your wings.(B)
Selah

II

6 For you, O God, have heard my vows,
you have granted me the heritage of those who revere your name.
7 Add days to the life of the king;
may his years be as from generation to generation;(C)
8 (D)May he reign before God forever;
send your love and fidelity[c] to preserve him—(E)
9 I will duly sing to your name forever,
fulfill my vows day after day.

Footnotes

  1. 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.
  2. 61:3 Ends of the earth: “earth” being taken in its occasional meaning “the underworld,” cf. Jon 2:3.
  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.

Cross references

  1. 61:4 : Ps 46:2.
  2. 61:5 : Ps 17:8; 36:8; 57:2.
  3. 61:7 : Ps 21:5.
  4. 61:8 : Ps 72:5; 89:5, 30, 37.
  5. 61:8 : Ps 85:11; 89:15, 25; Prv 20:28.