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
To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. ​
2
He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. ​
3
How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. ​
4
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. ​

Wait Patiently for God Alone

5
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. ​
6
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8
Trust in him at all times; ye 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 vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. ​
10
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them. ​
11
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. ​
12
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to 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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