English Basic Explanation - Chapter 61

Chapter 61

Psalm 61 is a brief prayer composed by David in "the edge of the earth" (verse 3), a phrase that has lent itself to different interpretations.  Mesudat David explains that David uttered this prayer while waging war in the distant land in Aram, while Rashi claims that David composed this Psalm after sending his army to fight against an enemy nation as he remained in Jerusalem.  The Radak suggests two entirely different approaches, claiming that this prayer refers either to the period David spent among the Philistines while fleeing from King Shaul, or to the future exile of the Jewish people.

David here speaks of God as a "refuge" and "tower of strength" (verse 4), and declares that he shall forever dwell in the Almighty's "tents" (verse 5).  The message conveyed is that even when he finds himself at "the edge of the earth," regardless of how difficult a crisis he confronts or how unstable and uncertain his life has become, he feels secure as he dwells in the protective, comforting confines of God's "tents."  The close relationship he feels with God at all times, under all circumstances and in all locations affords him a sense of confidence, and prompts him to pray in verses 7-8 that God add years to his life so that he can perpetually dwell "before God" – meaning, commit himself to Torah study (see Radak, verse 8).

Regardless of when David composed this prayer, it speaks of the sense of security that faith affords a person under any and all circumstances.  It reminds a person that wherever he finds himself on earth, and when he faces situations of uncertainty, he can turn to the Almighty in prayer and find comfort in the knowledge that the fate of all men rests in His hands.  As David declares in verse 3, God is capable of lifting a person to heights he never thought attainable; when challenges and hardships seem too difficult to surmount, one can turn to the Almighty and rely on His ability to lift him over even the most formidable obstacles.