Psalm 61:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

NIV: I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

NASB: Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

CSB: I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah

NLT: Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Interlude

KJV: I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

NKJV: I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah

When composing this psalm, David seems to be displaced from home and in need of safety (Psalm 61:1–3). His request is that he be intimately, directly connected to the Lord God. To "live in one's tent" is an expression much like the English phrase "live under one's roof." It implies being part of that family. In addition, the center of Israel's worship began as a "tabernacle," or a tent. David often promises to praise God (Psalm 22:22; 26:12; 61:8). His plea here could be interpreted with a double meaning: to be a part of God's chosen family and a desire to be in the place of worship.

In addition, the tabernacle housed the ark of the covenant. This featured a set of angelic figures whose wings covered the ark (Exodus 25:18–20). Other Scriptures use the metaphor of being covered by wings (Psalm 17:8; 36:7; 63:7). This implies protection and safety, the way a mother hen would cover her chicks to guard them from sun, rain, or predators. When Jesus mourned for Jerusalem's stubborn rejection, He used this expression to describe how He wished He could cover and protect the people (Matthew 23:37). David wants to be in the presence and under the protection of his God.

The Hebrew word selah is not clearly defined, but it suggests a pause. This might be for reflection, emphasis, or a musical interlude.

Psalm 61:1–4 is David's prayer for safety during a time of uncertainty. He feels his courage draining and speaks as if he is far from home. His appeal includes references to secure, high places, fortified areas, and sanctuary. David repeats a common metaphor about God protecting His people the way a mother hen guards chicks with outstretched wings (Psalm 17:8; 63:7).

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.

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.

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.