Psalms / Chapter 61

Psalms 61

Psalm 61 traces a prayer that starts with a distant cry from a faint heart, moves through recalled refuge and renewed access to God’s shelter, expands to intercession for the king’s enduring security, and ends in vowed, ongoing praise.

Read

Chapter

Psalms 61 Scripture text

World English Bible

Compare versions

Continue to Psalms 62

Psalms journeyPsalms 61

Psalms 62Next

Full passage context

Psalms 61

Start with the map and timeline, then explore verse notes, background, theology, questions, and related passages.

Start here

Map and timeline

Movement

Worship across the whole story

Artifact

Prayer book of the covenant people

Biblical Timeline

Kingdom

Creation

Kingdom

New creation

Psalms context: 1000 BC - 586 BC

Biblical Timeline

Kingdom

Psalms context

Kingdom / 1000 BC - 586 BC

CreationNew creation

Creation4000 BCPatriarchs2000 BCExodus1500 BCKingdom1000 BC2nd Temple400 BCChurchAD 100

Psalms context is set in the kingdom period, where Israel's monarchy from David and Solomon to exile.

Chapter structure

Follow the movement of the chapter, then open any passage in its full context.

KeyAppealExplanationThanksgivingConclusion

A cry from far away

Appeal

61:1-2

Recalling refuge and asking to stay

Explanation

61:3-4

Vows heard and heritage given

Thanksgiving

61:5

Prayer for the king’s lasting protection

Appeal

61:6-7

Closing praise tied to daily vows

Conclusion

61:8

Passages in this chapter

A cry from far away61:1-2 Recalling refuge and asking to stay61:3-4 Vows heard and heritage given61:5 Prayer for the king’s lasting protection61:6-7 Closing praise tied to daily vows61:8

Context snapshot

Date

Collected across Israel's worship life, c. 1000-450 BC

Genre

Poetry, prayer, and praise

Setting

Israel/Judah worship tradition

Audience

Israel

World Stage

c. 1000-450 BC

Israel and Judah across monarchy, exile, and return

Davidic and temple worship leaders collection over centuries

Psalms gathers prayers and songs from royal, temple, crisis, exile, and restoration settings. Its world is Israel's worship life across generations, bringing covenant memory into praise, lament, confession, and hope.

We aim to help you understand Scripture clearly and in its original context. While we strive to be accurate and thoughtful, Bible & Context is meant to support your study - not replace pastors, teachers, or spiritual guidance.