Psalms – Chapter 61

Old Testament • 13 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 61 of Psalms begins: "Unto the end, for Idithun, a psalm of David." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 13 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and faith and trust in God. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Unto the end, for Idithun, a psalm of David.

2Shall not my soul be subject to God? for from him is my salvation.

3For he is my God and my saviour: he is my protector, I shall be moved no more.

4How long do you rush in upon a man? you all kill, as if you were thrusting down a leaning wall, and a tottering fence.

5But they have thought to cast away my price; I ran in thirst: they blessed with their mouth, but cursed with their heart.

6But be thou, O my soul, subject to God: for from him is my patience.

7For he is my God and my saviour: he is my helper, I shall not be moved.

8In God is my salvation and my glory: he is the God of my help, and my hope is in God.

9Trust in him, all ye congregation of people: pour out your hearts before him. God is our helper for ever.

10But vain are the sons of men, the sons of men are liars in the balances: that by vanity they may together deceive.

11Trust not in iniquity, and covet not robberies: if riches abound, set not your heart upon them.

12God hath spoken once, these two things have I heard, that power belongeth to God,

13And mercy to thee, O Lord; for thou wilt render to every man according to his works.

Important Verses in Psalms 61

“Shall not my soul be subject to God? for from him is my salvation.”

Psalms 61:2

“But they have thought to cast away my price; I ran in thirst: they blessed with their mouth, but cursed with their heart.”

Psalms 61:5

“In God is my salvation and my glory: he is the God of my help, and my hope is in God.”

Psalms 61:8

“And mercy to thee, O Lord; for thou wilt render to every man according to his works. ”

Psalms 61:13

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 61 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "Unto the end, for Idithun, a psalm of David." The final verse reads: "And mercy to thee, O Lord; for thou wilt render to every man according to his works. " Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 2: "Shall not my soul be subject to God? for from him is my salvation." The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 355). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize God's protection and deliverance as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 61 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 61, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Psalms Chapter 61 supports that call by drawing attention to the moral law as path to freedom within the wider message that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 756).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 61 about?

Psalms 61 contains 13 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, for Idithun, a psalm of David." and closes with "And mercy to thee, O Lord; for thou wilt render to every man according to his works. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 61?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "Shall not my soul be subject to God? for from him is my salvation." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 61?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

1 Samuel 27Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Maccabees 4Shares people and themes with this chapterActs 15Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael🙏The Apostles' Creed🙏Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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