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.

God Alone Is My Salvation

1
For the leader. Set in the style of Y'dutun. A psalm of David: My soul waits in silence for God alone; my salvation comes from him. ​
2
He alone is my rock and salvation, my stronghold; I won't be greatly moved. ​
3
How long will you assail a person in order to murder him, all of you, as if he were a sagging wall or a shaky fence? ​
4
They only want to shake him from his height, they take delight in lying with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. (Selah) ​

Wait Patiently for God Alone

5
My soul, wait in silence for God alone, because my hope comes from him. ​
6
He alone is my rock and salvation, my stronghold; I won't be moved.
7
My safety and honor rest on God. My strong rock and refuge are in God.
8
Trust in him, people, at all times; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. (Selah) ​

Human Vanity and Divine Power

9
Ordinary folks are merely a breath and important people a sham; if you lay them on a balance-scale, they go up both together are lighter than nothing. ​
10
Don't put your trust in extortion, don't put false hopes in robbery; even if wealth increases, don't set your heart on it. ​
11
God has spoken once, I have heard it twice: strength belongs to God. ​
12
Also to you, Adonai, belongs grace; for you reward all as their deeds deserve. ​

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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