Psalms 61:5-7

61:5 For you, O God, hear my vows;

you grant me the reward that belongs to your loyal followers. ¹ 

61:6 Give the king long life!

Make his lifetime span several generations! ² 

61:7 May he reign ³  forever before God!

Decree that your loyal love and faithfulness should protect him. ⁴ 

[61:5]  ¹ tn Heb “you grant the inheritance of those who fear your name.” “Inheritance” is normally used of land which is granted as an inheritance; here it refers metaphorically to the blessings granted God’s loyal followers. To “fear” God’s name means to have a healthy respect for his revealed reputation which in turn motivates one to obey God’s commands (see Ps 86:11).

[61:6]  ² tn Heb “days upon days of the king add, his years like generation and generation.”

[61:7]  ³ tn Heb “sit [enthroned].” The prefixed verbal form is understood as a jussive here, expressing the psalmist’s prayer.

[61:7]  ⁴ tn Heb “loyal love and faithfulness appoint, let them protect him.”