• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
DonateLOG IN(0)
Casual English Bible

Casual English Bible

By Stephen M. Miller

  • Home
  • About
    • About Stephen M. Miller
    • The Casual English Bible is Easier to Read
  • Bible
  • Map Search
    • Bible Book Guides & Maps
    • Maps for Publication
  • Map Store
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Contact

Psalm 61

Home » Psalms » Psalm 61

Psalm 61

I’m moving in with God

I’m terrified

A psalm of David. Note to music leader: use stringed instruments.[1]
1  Please God, listen to me.
Please hear this prayer.
2  I’m far from home and terrified,
And I’m asking you to help me.
Take me to higher ground,
To the rock where I’ll be safe and secure.
3  You have always welcomed me
When I came running to you for help.
You have always defended me
When my enemies attacked.
4  Now, I’m asking to move in with you.
Let me stay forever,
Safe in the shelter beneath your wings.

Instruments[2]

5  I’ve given you my word, God,
And you’ve heard what I promised.
I’ll inherit everything that waits
For those who devoted their lives to you.

Long live the king

6  Let the king live a long life.
Let him see grandkids and great-grandkids.
7  Always be with him as he rules.
Put love and truth in charge of his safety.
8  I’m never going to stop singing about you.
I’ll keep my promises, day by day.

Notes

Intro Notes for Psalms
Intro Notes for Book 2 of 5 in Psalms
161:1

The subtitle wasn’t part of the original psalm. And the possible byline “of David,” isn’t necessarily a byline. The vague phrase could mean the song was written by David, about David, or was inspired by David. Almost half of the psalms are attributed to David in this way, 73 of 150. Ancient Jewish history tells of David playing a lyre and writing songs. For one, he wrote a song of mourning at the battlefield death of King Saul and his sons: “How have the mighty fallen!” (2 Samuel 1:19-27 New American Standard Bible). An ancient Jewish scroll from about the time of Jesus, discovered among the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, reports that David wrote 3,600 songs.

261:4

The word in the original language of Hebrew is selah. Bible scholars haven’t figured out what it means yet, so all we can do is guess. It could mean “pause for effect,” “instrumental interlude,” or “choir singing ‘Amen.’” We’re offering a guess instead of selah. Though selah might be the better way to go because it’s always correct, it’s also always incomprehensible. “Instruments” has a good chance of being wrong, but at least we convey the idea that the Hebrew word behind it probably has something to do with enhancing the song.

Discussion Questions

  • Sorry, there are currently no questions for this chapter.
Psalms atlas promo Casual English Bible

Psalms – Atlas

$4.00Add to cart

Casual English Bible Comprehensive Atlas

Casual English Bible Comprehensive Atlas, PDF, +500 maps

$51.00Add to cart

Sorry, there are currently no maps for this chapter.
Sorry, there are currently no videos for this chapter.

CROWD-FUNDING MAKES THE CASUAL ENGLISH BIBLE® POSSIBLE.

This is a Bible especially for Bible newcomers, non-Christians curious about the Bible, and Christians who have trouble understanding the Bible. It’s a mission funded by people like you who believe everyone deserves a Bible they can read and understand.

Patreon
Donate

Buy Bible Atlases & Leader’s Guides

Buy atlases and guides for an individual Bible book or a full set.

Instant PDF download, paperback, eBook.

Shop Now
  • Copyrights, credits, permissions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About the Casual English Bible
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2022 · Casual English Bible · All Rights Reserved · Website by Stormhill Media