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
My soul rests in God alone. My salvation [yeshuah-ti] is from him. ​
2
He alone is my rock and my salvation [yeshuah-ti], my fortress— I will never be greatly shaken. ​
3
How long will you assault a man, would all of you throw him down, Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence? ​
4
They fully intend to throw him down from his lofty place. They delight in lies. They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. ​

Wait Patiently for God Alone

5
My soul, wait in silence for God alone, for my expectation is from him. ​
6
He alone is my rock and my salvation [yeshuah-ti], my fortress. I will not be shaken.
7
With God is my salvation and my honor. The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8
Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah. ​

Human Vanity and Divine Power

9
Surely men of low degree are just a breath, and men of high degree are a lie. In the balances they will go up. They are together lighter than a breath. ​
10
Don’t trust in oppression. Don’t become vain in robbery. If riches increase, don’t set your heart on them. ​
11
God has spoken once; twice I have heard this, that power belongs to God. ​
12
Also to you, Lord, belongs loving kindness, for you reward every man according to his work. ​

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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