This psalm (title) is inscribed “To the chief Musician upon Neginah.” On the meaning of the expression, “To the chief Musician,” see the notes at the title to Psalms 4:1-8, where also we have the following word in another form, - “on Neginoth” - the plural, instead of the singular. The word means a stringed instrument; and the idea is, that the psalm was committed to the leader of those who played on stringed instruments in the sanctuary.
The psalm is ascribed to David, but the occasion on which it was composed is not specified. From the psalm itself it is evident that it was composed by one who was in exile Psalms 61:2, and by one who was a king Psalms 61:6. The supposition which best agrees with all the circumstances alluded to in the psalm is, that it was composed by David when he was driven into exile on the rebellion of Absalom, and that it was composed when he was still beyond the Jordan 2 Samuel 17:22, and when his life was yet in danger. Psalms 42:1-11 and Psalms 43:1-5 refer to the same period, and have the same general characteristics.
The psalm consists of the following parts:
I. A prayer for the divine interposition, Psalms 61:1-2. The psalmist was far away from his home - in exile - and his heart was overwhelmed.
II. A reference to former mercies, and to the divine interposition in other days, as a ground of hope and of pleading now, Psalms 61:3-5.
III. An expression of confident assurance that his prayer would be heard; that his life would be preserved; that his days would be lengthened out, and that he would be delivered from danger, Psalms 61:6-7.
IV. The result of this deliverance; or, as an expression of gratitude for it, a purpose to devote himself to God, in a life spent in the daily performance of his vows, Psalms 61:8.