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Commentary on Psalms 62 verses 1–7
In these verses we have,
I. David's profession of dependence upon God, and upon him only, for all good (Psa 62:1): Truly my soul waiteth upon God. Nevertheless (so some) or "However it be, whatever difficulties or dangers I may meet with, though God frown upon me and I meet with discouragements in my attendance on him, yet still my soul waits upon God" (or is silent to God, as the word is), "Says nothing against what he does, but quietly expects what he will do." We are in the way both of duty and comfort when our souls wait upon God, when we cheerfully refer ourselves, and the disposal of all our affairs, to his will and wisdom, when we acquiesce in and accommodate ourselves to all the dispensations of his providence, and patiently expect a doubtful event, with an entire satisfaction in his righteousness and goodness, however it be. Is not my soul subject go God? So the Septuagint. So it, certainly so it ought to be; our wills must be melted into his will. My soul has respect to God, for from him cometh my salvation. He doubts not but his salvation will come, though now he was threatened and in danger, and he expects it to come from God, and from him only; for in vain is it hoped for from hills and mountains, Jer 3:23; Psa 121:1, Psa 121:2. "From him I know it will come, and therefore on him will I patiently wait till it does come, for his time is the best time." We may apply it to our eternal salvation, which is called the salvation of God (Psa 50:23); from him it comes; he prepared it for us, he prepares us for it, and preserves us to it, and therefore let our souls wait on him, to be conducted through this world to that eternal salvation, in such way as he thinks fit.
II. The ground and reason of this dependence (Psa 62:2): He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence. 1. "He has been so many a time; in him I have found shelter, and strength, and succour. He has by his grace supported me and borne me up under my troubles, and by his providence defended me from the insults of my enemies and delivered me out of the troubles into which I was plunged; and therefore I trust he will deliver me," Co2 1:10. 2. "He only can be my rock and my salvation. Creatures are insufficient; they are nothing without him, and therefore I will look above them to him." 3. "He has by covenant undertaken to be so. Even he that is the rock of ages is my rock; he that is the God of salvation is my salvation; he that is the Most High is my high place; and therefore I have all the reason in the world to confide in him."
III. The improvement he makes of his confidence in God.
1.Trusting in God, his heart is fixed. "If God is my strength and mighty delivered, I shall not be greatly moved (that is, I shall not be undone and ruined); I may be shocked, but I shall not be sunk." Or, "I shall not be much disturbed and disquieted in my own breast. I may be put into some fright, but I shall not be afraid with any amazement, nor so as to be put out of the possession of my own soul. I may be perplexed, but not in despair," Co2 4:8. This hope in God will be an anchor of the soul, sure and stedfast.
2.His enemies are slighted, and all their attempts against him looked upon by him with contempt, Psa 62:3, Psa 62:4. If God be for us, we need not fear what man can do against us, though ever so mighty and malicious. He here, (1.) Gives a character of his enemies: They imagine mischief, design it with a great deal of the serpent's venom and contrive it with a great deal of the serpent's subtlety, and this against a man, one of their own kind, against one single man, that is not an equal match for them, for they are many; they continued their malicious persecution though Providence had often defeated their mischievous designs. "How long will you do it? Will you never be convinced of your error? Will your malice never have spent itself?" They are unanimous in their consultations to cast an excellent man down from his excellency, to draw an honest man from his integrity, to entangle him in sin, which is the only thing that can effectually cast us down from our excellency, to thrust a man, whom God has exalted, down from his dignity, and so to fight against God. Envy was at the bottom of their malice; they were grieved at David's advancement, and therefore plotted, by diminishing his character and blackening that (which was casting him down from his excellency) to hinder his preferment. In order to this they calumniate him, and love to hear such bad characters given of him and such bad reports raised and spread concerning him as they themselves know to be false: They delight in lies. And as they make no conscience of lying concerning him, to do him a mischief, so they make no conscience of lying to him, to conceal the mischief they design, and accomplish it the more effectually: They bless with their mouth (they compliment David to his face), but they curse inwardly; in their hearts they wish him all mischief, and privately they are plotting against him and in their cabals carrying on some evil design or other, by which they hope to ruin him. It is dangerous putting our trust in men who are thus false; but God is faithful. (2.) He reads their doom, pronounces a sentence of death upon them, not as a king, but as a prophet: You shall be slain all of you, by the righteous judgments of God. Saul and his servants were slain by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, according to this prediction. Those who seek the ruin of God's chosen are but preparing ruin for themselves. God's church is built upon a rock which will stand, but those that fight against it, and its patrons and protectors, shall be as a bowing wall and a tottering fence, which, having a rotten foundation, sinks with its own weight, falls of a sudden, and buries those in the ruins of it that put themselves under the shadow and shelter of it. David, having put his confidence in God, thus foresees the overthrow of his enemies, and, in effect, sets them at defiance and bids them do their worst.
3.He is himself encouraged to continue waiting upon God (Psa 62:5-7): My soul, wait thou only upon God. Note, The good we do we should stir up ourselves to continue doing, and to do yet more and more, as those that have, through grace, experienced the comfort and benefit of it. We have found it good to wait upon God, and therefore should charge our souls, and even charm them, into such a constant dependence upon him as may make us always easy. He had said (Psa 62:1), From him cometh my salvation; he says (Psa 62:5), My expectation is from him. His salvation was the principal matter of his expectation; let him have that from God, and he expects no more. His salvation being from God, all his other expectations are from him. "If God will save my soul, as to every thing else let him do what he pleases with me, and I will acquiesce in his disposals, knowing they shall all turn to my salvation," Phi 1:19. He repeats (Psa 62:6) what he had said concerning God (Psa 62:2), as one that was not only assured of it, but greatly pleased with it, and that dwelt much upon it in his thoughts: He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence, I know he is; but there he adds, I shall not be greatly moved, here, I shall not be moved at all. Note, The more faith is acted the more active it is. Crescit eundo - It grows by being exercised. The more we meditate upon God's attributes and promises, and our own experience, the more ground we get of our fears, which, like Haman, when they begin to fall, shall fall before us, and we shall be kept in perfect peace, Isa 26:3. And, as David's faith in God advances to an unshaken stayedness, so his joy in God improves itself into a holy triumph (Psa 62:7): In God is my salvation and my glory. Where our salvation is there our glory is; for what is our salvation but the glory to be revealed, the eternal weight of glory? And there our glorying must be. In God let us boast all the day long. "The rock of my strength (that is, my strong rock, on which I build my hopes and stay myself) and my refuge, to which I flee for shelter when I am pursued, is in God, and in him only. I have no other to flee to, no other to trust to; the more I think of it the better satisfied I am in the choice I have made." Thus does he delight himself in the Lord, and then ride upon the high places of the earth, Isa 58:14.
Aliens properly so called are those who have been despoiled by some enemies or adversaries, and have then become wanderers; a thing which we indeed also endured formerly at the hand of the demons. But from the time that Christ took us up by faith in Him, we are no longer alleges from the true country-the Jerusalem which is above-nor have we to bear alienation in error from the truth.
And now, my child, if you take God as your hope, he will be your help in the time of your anguish; “for anyone who comes to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who search for him.” These words were written for us, that we may believe in God and do battle, great and little, by fastings, prayers and other religious practices. God will not forget even the saliva that has dried in your mouth as a result of fasting. On the contrary, everything will be returned to you at the moment of your anguish. Only humble yourself in all things, hold back your word even if you understand the whole affair. Do not quietly acquire the habit of abusing; on the contrary, joyfully put up with every trial. For if you knew the honor that results from trials you would not pray to be delivered from them, because it is preferable for you to pray, to weep and to sigh until you are saved, rather than to relax and be led off a captive. O man, what are you doing in Babylon? “You have grown old in an alien land” because you did not submit to the test and because your relations with God are not proper. Therefore, brother, you must not relax.
Since the psalmist is conscious of the use of sincere hope in God, he invites the people to a zeal equal to his own, saying, “Trust in him, all you people; pour out your hearts before him.” It is impossible for us to become capable of divine grace unless we have driven out the evil passions that have preoccupied our souls. I know doctors who do not give the salutary medicines before they have drained out by means of an emetic the matter that was causing the sickness, which the intemperate had stored up in themselves through a bad diet. Perfume should not be poured into a vessel that had previously been filled with some foul-smelling liquid, unless it is washed out first. Therefore, it is necessary that its initial contents be poured out, in order that it may be able to contain that which is being brought in.
“In God is my salvation and my glory; he is the God of my help, and my hope is in God.” Blessed is one who exults in none of the lofty things of life but regards God as his glory: who holds Christ as his boast; who is able to say, according to the apostle, “But as for me, God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of Christ.” Many are glorified in body, who devote their time to gymnastic contests, or, on the whole, who are vigorous in the flower of their age; and many, because of their valor in the wars, who consider the murdering of those of the same race bravery. In fact, rewards in wars and the trophies raised by a general and by cities, are according to the magnitude of the slaughter. Others are glorified because they put walls around cities; and others, because of the structures of the aquaducts and the buildings of the great gymnasia. That person who has spent his wealth in fighting wild beasts and who exults in vain words of the people is puffed up with the praises and thinks himself something great, having his glory in his shame. He even shows his sin inscribed on tablets in conspicuous places of the city. Another is extolled for his wealth; another, because he is a skillful and invincible orator, or he is acquainted with the wisdom of the world. It is proper to pity the glory of all these and to deem happy those who make God their glory. For if a certain one thinks he is something great because he is the servant of a king and is held in great honor by him, how much ought you to exalt yourself, because you are a servant of the great King and are called by him to the closest intimacy, having received the Spirit of the promise, so that, sealed with his approval, you are shown to be a child of God?
"For Himself is my God and My Saving One, my Taker up, I will not remove hence" [Psalm 62:6]. Because "Himself is my God," therefore He calls me: "and my Saving One," therefore He justifies me: "and my Taker up," therefore He glorifies me. For here I am called and am justified, but there I am glorified; and from thence where I am glorified, "I will not remove." For a sojourner I am with You on earth as all my fathers were. Therefore from my lodging I shall remove, from my Heavenly home I shall not remove.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 62:6 is a profound declaration of exclusive trust and unwavering security found solely in God. Amidst life's uncertainties and the machinations of adversaries, the psalmist, David, anchors his entire being in the Divine, proclaiming God as his singular, unshakeable foundation, his ultimate deliverer, and his impenetrable refuge, from whom he derives an inner stability that no external force can dislodge.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 62 is a "Psalm of Trust," a subgenre characterized by expressions of confidence in God despite dire circumstances. David begins by affirming his soul's quiet wait for God, declaring in Psalm 62:1 that his "salvation comes from Him." This foundational declaration is immediately followed by a similar affirmation in Psalm 62:2, where God is proclaimed as his "rock," "salvation," and "defence." The verse under consideration, Psalm 62:6, powerfully reiterates and expands upon this theme, serving as a confident anchor point within the psalm. The verses immediately preceding verse 6 (Psalm 62:3-5) describe the psalmist's enemies who plot his downfall and the imperative for his soul to "wait only upon God" because his expectation is from Him. This narrative progression sets up verse 6 as a confident affirmation born out of patient endurance and a deep-seated conviction in God's character, contrasting human treachery with divine faithfulness.
Historical & Cultural Context: While the precise historical setting for Psalm 62 is not explicitly stated, many scholars suggest it aligns with periods of intense distress in David's life, such as his flight from Saul, as recounted in 1 Samuel 23, or the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion, detailed in 2 Samuel 15. In an ancient Near Eastern world where political alliances were fluid, and personal security often depended on one's earthly power or human protectors, David's declaration of God as his only rock and defense was a radical departure from conventional wisdom. The imagery of "rock," "salvation," and "defence" would resonate deeply with an audience familiar with fortified cities, mountain strongholds, and the constant threat of invasion or betrayal, highlighting God's superior and singular ability to provide ultimate security.
Key Themes: Psalms 62:6 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of Exclusive Reliance on God, where the emphatic "He only" underscores God as the singular, non-negotiable source of strength and help, contrasting sharply with the futility of trusting in human power or wealth, a concept explicitly warned against in Psalm 62:9. Secondly, the theme of God as the Unshakeable Foundation is central, portraying God as an enduring, immovable bedrock in a world of instability, a concept echoed in wisdom literature, such as Proverbs 18:10. Thirdly, Divine Deliverance and Protection is highlighted through "my salvation" and "my defence," emphasizing God's active role as rescuer and impenetrable refuge for His people, a truth celebrated in Psalm 18:2. Finally, the verse speaks to the Steadfastness of the Believer, illustrating that a faith anchored in God results in an inner stability that allows one to remain "unmoved" amidst trials, not through personal strength but through divine enablement, as affirmed in Psalm 16:8.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. Metaphor is central, with God being described as "my rock," "my salvation," and "my defence." These are not literal attributes but figurative comparisons that vividly communicate God's unwavering stability, His rescuing power, and His impenetrable protection. The use of "rock" (tsûwr) is a classic biblical archetype for divine steadfastness, often associated with strength and permanence. The emphatic "He only" serves as a powerful assertion, highlighting the exclusivity of God as the sole source of security and creating a stark contrast with any other potential, but ultimately futile, sources of trust. The declaration "I shall not be moved" is a strong affirmation and a hyperbole (or perhaps a statement of absolute spiritual certainty), emphasizing the profound stability that results from such exclusive reliance on God, even in the face of immense opposition.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 62:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty and human trust. It asserts God's absolute uniqueness as the sole source of true security and deliverance, challenging any reliance on human strength, wealth, or political power. This verse undergirds the biblical emphasis on monotheism and the exclusive worship of Yahweh, portraying Him as the unchangeable, ever-present refuge for His people. The psalmist's unwavering declaration of stability ("I shall not be moved") is not a testament to his own resilience but a direct consequence of God's steadfast character, illustrating that true peace and steadfastness are found only in being anchored to the Divine.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 62:6 offers a timeless blueprint for navigating a world characterized by instability and uncertainty. In an era where security is often sought in fleeting economic prosperity, volatile political systems, or fragile human relationships, this verse calls believers to a radical reorientation of trust. It challenges us to honestly assess where our ultimate hope and stability lie. When we truly anchor our souls in God alone—recognizing Him as our unshakeable Rock, our unfailing Salvation, and our impenetrable Defence—we are empowered to face life's storms not with fear, but with an inner composure that declares, "I shall not be moved." This steadfastness is not a passive resignation but an active, confident posture of faith, allowing us to live with peace and purpose, even when circumstances rage around us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "He only" signify in this verse?
Answer: The phrase "He only" (אַךְ־הוּא) is a powerful Hebrew emphatic particle, signifying exclusivity and absolute singularity. In Psalms 62:6, it means that God, and no one or nothing else, is the sole source of the psalmist's rock, salvation, and defense. It's a declaration that all other potential sources of security or help are ultimately futile and unreliable. This concept is reinforced throughout Psalm 62, particularly in verses like Psalm 62:9, which warns against trusting in human beings, and Psalm 62:10, which cautions against trusting in ill-gotten gain. It calls for a singular, undivided devotion and reliance on God alone.
How can I "not be moved" when life's circumstances are so overwhelming?
Answer: The declaration "I shall not be moved" in Psalms 62:6 does not imply an absence of trials or emotional distress, but rather an inner stability and spiritual resilience that is rooted in God's unchanging character. It's not a statement of personal strength but a consequence of placing one's entire trust in God as the ultimate Rock and Defence. When our faith is anchored in Him, external circumstances, no matter how overwhelming, cannot dislodge our fundamental hope or spiritual standing. This is a promise of divine enablement, allowing the believer to remain firm and steadfast even amidst the most turbulent storms, as seen in the New Testament promise of the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds in Philippians 4:7. It means that while the world may shake, our foundation in Christ remains unshakeable.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 62:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the definitive "Rock" upon whom the church is built, an unshakeable foundation against which the gates of hell cannot prevail, as promised in Matthew 16:18. As the "Salvation" of God, Jesus embodies the yᵉshûwʻâh (deliverance) that the psalmist yearned for, offering not just temporal rescue but eternal redemption from sin and death through His atoning sacrifice, a truth beautifully articulated in John 3:16 and powerfully declared in Acts 4:12. He is our ultimate "Defence," our High Priest and Advocate who intercedes for us without ceasing, providing a secure fortress in whom we find refuge from all spiritual adversaries and accusations, as affirmed in Hebrews 7:25. Through union with Christ, believers truly "shall not be moved," for our life is hidden with Him in God, as revealed in Colossians 3:3. His resurrection is the ultimate proof that the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame or dislodged from their secure standing before God, making Him the living embodiment of the psalmist's confident declaration, as underscored in Romans 10:11.