What does Psalm 61:7 mean?

This is a prayer from David, who had been given divine promises about his rule (2 Samuel 7:9–16). He seems to have been under some threat (Psalm 61:2, 6). Yet he is confident that the Lord will make good on those predictions (Psalm 61:5). Other psalms acknowledge these prophecies (Psalm 89:20–24).

Though David asks for the throne to last "forever," this is not an appeal to become immortal. It certainly means David's rule lasting for his entire life. Yet it also means the continued rule of David's successors. This was part of the Lord's promise. The ultimate fulfillment of that guarantee comes through David's descendant, Jesus Christ. The angel Gabriel announced Jesus' birth noting that He would be "called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:32–33).