Psalms-61-62

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Tanakh versions:

Throughout this site I may use any of the following three versions of the TaNaKh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917), 2. Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC), and 3. “Sefaria.org” (SEF).

Colour coded details of the - TaNaKh:

1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.

*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold

wondrous things out of Thy Law!

Tehillim - Psalm 119:18..

(JPS-1917 version of the Tanakh).

Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!

“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

However, sadly both the later priests as well as our rabbis of long ago have shamefully disobeyed this command of אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם קָדוֹשׁוֹ - ‘Baruch Shem Kadosho’ – ‘Blessed be His Holy Name!’

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“Psalms Chapters 61 & 62”

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

Introduction to Psalms 61 and 62:

These two Psalms represent a beautiful progression of faith. Psalm 61 is the “Prayer of the Faint Heart”, written when David felt overwhelmed and far from home. It is a cry for shelter. Psalm 62 is the “Psalm of Only”, where the word “only” (Ak) appears repeatedly to emphasize that there is no other source of salvation but אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God). Together, they move the soul from a state of being “overwhelmed” to a state of “silent waiting” in perfect trust.

Let us first read Tehillim - Psalm Chapter 61: (JPS-1917 version of the Tanakh).

1. “For the Leader; with string-music. (A Psalm) of David.
2. Hear my cry, O אֱלֹהִים - Elohim; attend unto my prayer.
3. From the end of the earth will I call unto Thee, when my heart fainteth;
lead me to a rock that is too high for me.
4. For Thou hast been a refuge for me, a tower of strength in the face of the enemy.
5. I will dwell in Thy Tent for ever; I will take refuge in the covert of Thy wings. Selah
6. For Thou, O אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, hast heard my vows; Thou hast granted the heritage of those that fear Thy Name.
7. Mayest Thou add days unto the king’s days! May his years be as many generations!
8. May he be enthroned before אֱלֹהִים - Elohim for ever! Appoint mercy and truth, that they may preserve him.
9. So will I sing praise unto Thy Name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

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Here is Psalm 61’s ‘verse by verse’ with Explanations:

1. “For the Leader; with string-music. (A Psalm) of David”.

Explanation: This identifies the musical accompaniment. The use of strings suggests a personal, intimate, and perhaps sombre tone.

2. “Hear my cry, O אֱלֹהִים - Elohim; attend unto my prayer”.

Explanation: David begins with an urgent plea. He is not just speaking; he is “crying out”, asking for אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s total attention.

3. “From the end of the earth will I call unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I”.

Explanation: When David feels distant or “at the end of his rope”, he asks to be lifted. He knows he cannot save himself; he needs אֱלֹהִים - Elohim to place him on a “High Rock” that he cannot reach on his own.

4. “For Thou hast been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy”.
Explanation: He reminds himself of past mercies. Remembering אֱלֹהִים - Elohim as a “Strong Tower” gives him the courage to face his current distress.

5. “I will dwell in Thy tent for ever; I will take refuge in the covert of Thy wings. Selah”.

Explanation: This is a desire for the closest possible proximity to the Divine, dwelling in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s private “tent” and finding warmth under His “wings”.

6. “For Thou, O אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, hast heard my vows; Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear Thy Name”.

Explanation: David trusts that his prayers (vows) have been received. He finds comfort in being part of the “heritage” the long line of faithful servants of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim.

7. “Mayest Thou add days unto the king's days! May his years be as many generations!
8. “May he be enthroned before אֱלֹהִים - Elohim forever! Appoint mercy and truth, that they may preserve him”.

Explanation: These verses are a prayer for the longevity and spiritual stability of the leadership. He asks that “Mercy and Truth” be the king's bodyguards.

9. “So will I sing praise unto Thy Name forever, that I may daily perform my vows”.

Explanation: The result of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s protection is a life of daily worship. David promises to live every day as a testament to אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s faithfulness.

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Now we can read Psalm Chapter 62:

1. “For the Leader; for Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
2. Only for אֱלֹהִים - Elohim doth my soul wait in stillness; from Him cometh my salvation.
3. He only is my rock and my salvation, my high tower, I shall not be greatly moved.
4. How long will ye set upon a man, that ye may slay him, all of you, as a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
5. They only devise to thrust him down from his height, delighting in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
6. Only for אֱלֹהִים - Elohim wait thou in stillness, my soul; for from Him cometh my hope.
7. He only is my rock and my salvation, my high tower, I shall not be moved.
8. Upon אֱלֹהִים - Elohim resteth my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim.
9. Trust in Him at all times, ye people; pour out your heart before Him; אֱלֹהִים - Elohim is a refuge for us. Selah.
10. Men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie; if they be laid in the balances, they are together lighter than vanity.
11. Trust not in oppression, and put not vain hope in robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart thereon.
12. אֱלֹהִים - Elohim hath spoken once, twice have I heard this: that strength belongeth unto אֱלֹהִים - Elohim;
13. Also unto Thee, O יְהוָה - LORD, belongeth mercy; for Thou renderest to every man according to his work”.

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Here is Psalm 62, ‘verse by verse’ with explanations’:

1. “For the Leader; after the manner of Jeduthun. A Psalm of David”.

Explanation: Jeduthun was one of the three directors of music in the Temple. This Psalm is meant for public testimony.

2. “Only for אֱלֹהִים - Elohim doth my soul wait in stillness; from Him cometh my salvation”.

Explanation: The word “Only” is the key. David silences his own anxiety and waits in "stillness." He looks nowhere else for help.

3. “He only is my rock and my salvation, my high tower; I shall not be greatly moved”.

Explanation: Because his foundation is “Only אֱלֹהִים - Elohim”, David remains steady. Though he may be shaken, he will not be “greatly moved” or overthrown.

4. “How long will ye set upon a man, that ye may slay him, all of you, as a leaning wall, a tottering fence?”

Explanation: He rebukes his enemies. They see him as a “tottering fence” and try to push him over, but they fail to see the invisible support of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim behind him.

5. “They only consult to thrust him down from his excellency, they delight in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah”.

Explanation: David exposes the hypocrisy of his foes. They speak kindly to his face but plot his ruin in their hearts.

6. “My soul, wait thou only thine eyes in stillness for אֱלֹהִים; for from Him cometh my hope”.

Explanation: David preaches to his own soul. He repeats the command to be still, shifting from "salvation" in verse 2 to “hope” here.

7. “He only is my rock and my salvation, my high tower; I shall not be moved”.

Explanation: Notice the growth: in verse 3 he said “not greatly moved”< but now he says simply “I shall not be moved”. His faith has become absolute.

8. Upon אֱלֹהִים - Elohim resteth my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in אֱלֹהִים- Elohim.

Explanation: His entire identity (his glory) and his safety rest solely in the Divine Presence.

9. “Trust in Him at all times, ye people; pour out your heart before Him; אֱלֹהִים is a refuge for us. Selah”.

Explanation: David turns to the congregation. He invites them to “pour out” their hearts, just as he has done, because אֱלֹהִים - Elohim is big enough to hold all their pain.

10. “Men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie; if they be laid in the balances, they are together lighter than vanity”.

Explanation: David warns against trusting in human status. Whether rich or poor, human power is “vanity” (breath) when weighed against eternity.

11. “Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them”.

Explanation: He warns against the temptation to use worldly means (theft or wealth) to find security.

12. “אֱלֹהִים - Elohim hath spoken once, twice have I heard this: that strength belongeth unto אֱלֹהִים – Elohim!.
13. “Also unto Thee, O יְהוָה - LORD, belongeth mercy; for Thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Explanation: The final truth: Strength and Mercy are not opposites in אֱלֹהִים - Elohim; they work together. אֱלֹהִים - Elohim has the power to judge and the mercy to reward the faithful.

My Closing Message:

These Psalms provide a spiritual prescription for times of physical and emotional weakness. Psalm 61 acknowledges the “faint heart” and leads it to the “High Rock”. Psalm 62 then settles that heart into a profound, silent stillness where “Only אֱלֹהִים - Elohim” is the focus. As we may at times have to deal with problems that at times enter our lives, may you then find that “High Rock” and feel the “Stillness” that comes from knowing our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim who is your “High Tower”.

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This site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us, especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very much a teaching site with hundreds of studies!

Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via several of our prophets...

“Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. (JPS).

And Remember ...

Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat Shalom!

אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ אוֹתָם

וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם

“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem; walk in My statutes, and keep Mine ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה - the LORD your Eloheichem”. Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).

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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;

“The More Torah, the More Life”

For אֱלֹהִים יְהוָה - the LORD Elohim, Blessed be His Sanctified Name,

He is the one who gave us our Life!”

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts. be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

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