What does Psalm 61:7 mean?
ESV: May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!
NIV: May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.
NASB: He will sit enthroned before God forever; Appoint faithfulness and truth that they may watch over him.
CSB: May he sit enthroned before God forever. Appoint faithful love and truth to guard him.
NLT: May he reign under God’s protection forever. May your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him.
KJV: He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.
NKJV: He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!
Verse Commentary:
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).
Verse Context:
Psalm 61:5–8 affirms David's confidence in God's purposes. He prays accordingly for a long life as Israel's king, suggesting this psalm may have been inspired by a threat to his rule. David also prays for God's loyal love and faithful protectiveness.
Chapter Summary:
David prays as someone displaced from home and wracked with fear. He asks to be led to safety, recalling God's former protection. David appeals to his personal faithfulness towards the Lord. He asks for his kingship to be protected, echoing the promises God made about David's reign (2 Samuel 7:9–13). Anticipating that rescue, David promises to praise the Lord.
Chapter Context:
The historical setting for this psalm is uncertain, unlike psalms connected to definite events (Psalm 54; 59; 60). This psalm asks for protection for the king, so it might have been inspired by David's evacuation during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13–14). That escape led David over the Mount of Olives (2 Samuel 15:30) and to the fortified city of Mahanaim (2 Samuel 17:24), events which resemble the themes of this song.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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