Psalms 61-64, all psalms of David according to their superscriptions, form a cluster of four royal prayers linked together by interweaving themes, especially "the common theme of strong reliance on God for deliverance in the face of great--perhaps mortal--danger" (Zondervan NIV Study Bible, Psalms introduction, "Significant Arrangement of the Psalter"; and note on Psalms 61-64).

Neginah in the superscription of Psalm 61, which may be part of a postscript to Psalm 60, is probably correctly translated in the NKJV as "stringed instrument."

Overwhelmed at his circumstances (verse 2), the details of which we are not given except that it involves some enemy (verse 3), David feels cut off from God: "From the ends of the earth I call to You" (verse 2, NIV). He seeks to be led to the "rock that is higher than I" (verse 1). By "rock" he means God Himself, as he did earlier in Psalm 18 (verses 2, 31, 46). The imagery of God as a Rock of protection occurs early in Scripture in the Song of Moses (see Deuteronomy 32:4). David uses it again in the next Psalm (Psalm 62:2, Psalm 62:6-7) and in other psalms (Psalm 71:3; Psalm 144:1). "This is a particularly apt image [of God] for David, who many times had to hide in the mountains for security (see 1 Samuel 26:1, 1 Samuel 26:20)" (Nelson Study Bible, note on Psalm 18:2).

Indeed, it seems that David is now led to the Rock as he has asked--for the rest of his psalm exudes confidence in God's protection and blessing.

David likens the shelter of God's tabernacle to the shelter of a mother bird's wings (verse 4). David will repeat this imagery of finding refuge under God's wings in Psalm 63:7 (see also Psalm 17:8; Psalm 36:7; Psalm 57:1; Psalm 91:4). There is probably also a figurative tie--in here to the wings or hem of a garment--symbolism employed in the book of Ruth for taking in marriage (as Christ takes His people in marriage). God's people thus become part of His household and family-the primary idea behind abiding in His tabernacle (His dwelling) forever.

The vows David had made to God (verse 5)--his promises to remain devoted and faithful to God, to obey and serve Him--were genuine. And for that God would reward him with the heritage of all who fear and honor God's name (same verse)--not just long life (verse 6) but eternal life in God's presence (verse 7). The King of Israel living forever here is understood in Jewish interpretation as a prophecy of the Messiah, as it likely is, but it also applies to David himself. God's "mercy and truth" would preserve King David as well as the future messianic King (verse 7; see also Psalm 25:10; Psalm 85:10, Psalm 85:15; Psalm 89:14; Proverbs 20:28; Isaiah 16:5). Consider that Jesus Christ came "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14; see also verse 17)--fulfilling the messianic expectation of these passages.

David closes his prayer by saying that he will use the eternity God is giving him to forever extol and obey God (Psalm 61:8). What remarkable devotion!