What does it mean when the psalmist asks God to “lead me to the rock that is higher than I” in Psalm 61:2?

Answer

In Psalm 61:2, the psalmist David pleads with God, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” At various times throughout the psalm, the author cries out to God and seeks His assistance. He implores God to “hear” his cry and “listen” to his prayer «Truly my soul waiteth upon God: From him cometh my salvation. », (Psalm 62:1). Through these expressions, the psalmist acknowledges that he cannot rely on his own strength and asks God to be his “rock.”

The psalmist appeals to God from a position of urgent need: “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint” «From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, When my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. », (Psalm 61:2). The writer feels isolated and weary; he is rapidly losing hope. Then comes the plea: “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” «From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, When my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. », (Psalm 61:2). As he makes the request, David recalls the past assistance he has received from the Lord: “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe” «For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. », (Psalm 61:3). God’s past goodness gives David the faith to pray in his current difficulty.

When David entreats God to “lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” he is asking God to be his place of shelter. The Bible often describes rocky formations as places of refuge and security where one could seek protection from an adversary. In 1 Samuel 13:6, some IsraelitesTwo men hid in rocky caves to escape from the pursuing Philistines. In Psalm 18:2, David refers to God as “my rock, in whom I take refuge.” When God is described as a “rock,” it is not a small rock that someone could hold in their hand. Instead, God is likened to a large boulder or even a rocky mountain that serves as a foundation and place of refuge.

When the psalmist asks God to “lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” he is also requesting God to elevate him to a place of shelter and protection. Some interpret the phrase “the rock that is higher than I” as a mention of the city of Jerusalem, which is situated on a mountain ridge (see Jeremiah 21:13). However, David might simply be asking God to guide him to God Himself, who represents the “highest ground” one could seek. Throughout history and even today, higher ground is deemed secure and safe as it offers a strategic vantage point and is easily defensible. Consider how individuals seek higher ground when floodwaters rise or how combatants in warfare strive to seize the higher ground from their adversaries.

When we implore God to “lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” we are recognizing that He is our refuge and security, and that He will grant us protection and shelter during challenging times.