Psalms62

Psalm 62 expresses David's unwavering trust in God as his sole source of salvation, strength, and defense, despite the malicious intentions of his enemies. He declares that only from God comes his expectation and stability. The psalmist exhorts his soul and all people to trust in God at all times, pouring out their hearts before Him. He contrasts God's steadfastness with the vanity of human power, riches, and deceit.
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God Alone Is My Salvation

1
In God alone my soul finds rest; my salvation comes from Him. ​
2
He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken. ​
3
How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you throw him down like a leaning wall or a tottering fence? ​
4
They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah ​

Wait Patiently for God Alone

5
Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him. ​
6
He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken.
7
My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock; my refuge is in God.
8
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah ​

Human Vanity and Divine Power

9
Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor. ​
10
Place no trust in extortion, or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. ​
11
God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: that power belongs to God, ​
12
and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 62

Verse 1

The phrase "To Jeduthun" likely refers to a specific musical director or tune, indicating liturgical use. The opening statement establishes the psalm's central theme: quiet trust in God alone, despite circumstances.

Verse 2

David uses three strong defensive metaphors ("rock," "salvation," "defence/fortress") to emphasize God's absolute reliability and permanence, ensuring his stability (I shall not be moved).

Verse 3

The enemies' destructive intent is compared to unstable structures ("bowing wall," "tottering fence")—imagery contrasting their fleeting weakness with God's firm rock.

Verse 4

The enemies employ deceit and hypocrisy. They bless with their mouth (feigned friendship) while inwardly plotting ruin, highlighting the treachery David faced.

Verse 5

The repetition of the command to the soul (cf. v. 1) serves as a deliberate discipline of faith. The word 'expectation' (Heb. *tiqvah*) implies a deep, hopeful certainty regarding future divine intervention.

Verse 8

David shifts from personal trust to communal instruction, urging 'ye people' to fully disclose their needs and anxieties to God, confirming God's role as a universal refuge.

Verse 9

This verse critiques reliance on all human power structures, regardless of status. All human strength is declared *hebel* (vanity/breath), worthless when weighed against divine reality.

Verse 10

David warns against three sources of false security: violence, theft, and wealth accumulation. Setting one's heart on riches is idolatry, distracting from true dependence on God.

Verse 11

This verse presents the theological foundation for the psalm. The phrase 'spoken once; twice have I heard' emphasizes the absolute certainty and reliability of God’s revealed truth: power (*`oz*) belongs uniquely to Him.

Verse 12

The twin attributes of power (v. 11) and mercy (*hesed*) constitute God's just governance. Mercy is shown through God’s perfect justice, rendering to every person according to their work.

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