Psalms 62:1

KJV

¶ To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him [cometh] my salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, to Jeduthun {H3038}, A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}. Truly my soul {H5315} waiteth {H1747} upon God {H430}: from him cometh my salvation {H3444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

In God alone my soul finds rest; my salvation comes from Him.

American Standard Version

My soul waiteth in silence for God only: From himcomethmy salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 62:1 introduces a profound declaration of unwavering trust by David, setting the tone for a psalm that steadfastly anchors itself in God as the exclusive source of salvation. Amidst personal or national turmoil, David's soul finds its quiet rest and hopeful expectation in the Almighty, affirming that true deliverance and security originate solely from Him, not from human strength or fleeting circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 62 is positioned within Book II of the Psalter, a collection often characterized by themes of trust and lament. It follows psalms that express distress and prayer (e.g., [Psalm 61](/psalms/61 "Psalm 61 - A Prayer for Refuge")) and precedes others that continue to explore themes of divine justice and praise. The superscription, "To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David," indicates its Davidic authorship and its intended use in public worship, likely with musical accompaniment under the direction of Jeduthun, one of David's prominent choirmasters ([1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David's Organization of Musicians")). The opening verse immediately establishes the psalm's central theme of exclusive reliance on God, which is then reiterated and expanded upon throughout the subsequent verses, contrasting divine faithfulness with human deceit and futility.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical backdrop for Psalm 62 is not explicitly stated, scholars often suggest periods of intense personal or national crisis in David's life, such as Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")) or persecution by King Saul ([1 Samuel 18](/1_Samuel/18 "1 Samuel 18 - Saul's Jealousy of David")). In such times, David faced betrayal, political instability, and threats to his life and kingdom. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed great emphasis on tribal loyalties, military strength, and alliances for security. However, David, as a man after God's own heart, consistently points beyond these earthly means to the divine as his ultimate refuge. The concept of "salvation" (Hebrew: *yeshu'ah*) in this era encompassed not only spiritual deliverance but also physical rescue from enemies, protection from harm, and overall well-being.

* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout Psalm 62 and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Exclusive Trust in God**, highlighted by the emphatic "Truly my soul waiteth upon God," which underscores an absolute and undivided dependence on the Divine. This is intricately linked to the theme of **God as the Only Source of Salvation**, where deliverance, help, and rescue are explicitly stated to originate *from Him* alone, contrasting with the futility of human efforts or alliances ([Psalms 62:9-10](/psalms/62-9 "Psalm 62:9-10 - The Futility of Human Trust")). Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Inner Calm Amidst Chaos**, as David's soul finds a quiet, patient, and hopeful expectation in God despite external pressures, embodying a profound spiritual peace that arises from surrendering one's fate to the sovereign Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Truly (Hebrew, _'akh'_):** This Hebrew particle (אַךְ) often translates as "only," "surely," or "nevertheless." In Psalms 62:1, its placement at the beginning of the declaration serves as an emphatic qualifier, stressing exclusivity. It powerfully conveys the sense that *only* upon God does David's soul wait, reinforcing the singular and undivided nature of his trust. This word sets a tone of absolute conviction and singular focus.
* **Waiteth (Hebrew, _dumiyah'_):** Derived from the Hebrew word (דּוּמִיָּה), this term carries a richer meaning than mere passive waiting. It implies a state of quietness, stillness, silence, or rest. It suggests that David's soul is not agitated, restless, or anxiously striving, but rather finds a serene composure and patient expectation in God. This "waiting" is an active posture of hopeful confidence, characterized by a cessation of self-effort and a tranquil reliance on God's timing and action.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yeshu'ah'_):** The Hebrew term (יְשׁוּעָה) is comprehensive, encompassing deliverance, rescue, help, welfare, and prosperity. It refers to a holistic well-being and ultimate victory over adversaries, both physical and spiritual. In this context, it signifies God's complete power to deliver David from his predicaments, providing security, peace, and triumph. It is the full scope of God's saving intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.":** This is the superscription, providing crucial interpretive information. It identifies David as the author, designates the psalm for liturgical use ("To the chief Musician"), and specifies Jeduthun, one of David's chief musicians, as the director for its musical performance, suggesting its role in public worship and its enduring significance.
* **"Truly my soul waiteth upon God:":** This is the core declaration of the psalm. The emphatic "Truly" (אַךְ) highlights the exclusive nature of David's reliance. His "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, *nephesh*), representing his entire being—mind, will, and emotion—is actively and quietly "waiting" (דּוּמִיָּה, *dumiyah*) upon God. This signifies a profound posture of patient, confident, and tranquil expectation, resting in God's sovereignty rather than in human strength or circumstances.
* **"from him [cometh] my salvation.":** This clause directly states the source of David's deliverance. The implied verb "cometh" emphasizes that salvation is not self-generated or found in any earthly alliance, but originates *from God* alone. It underscores God's omnipotence and His exclusive role as the deliverer and sustainer of life, providing comprehensive rescue and well-being.

#### Literary Devices
The opening verse of Psalm 62 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the **Superscription**, which, while external to the poetic body, provides essential context regarding authorship, intended audience, and liturgical function, framing the psalm as a divinely inspired piece for communal worship. Within the verse itself, David utilizes **Emphasis** through the Hebrew particle *'akh* ("Truly" or "Only"), which immediately establishes the singular focus of his trust. This creates a strong sense of exclusivity regarding God as his source of help. Furthermore, there is a subtle form of **Personification** as David attributes the act of "waiting" to his "soul," giving an inner, spiritual dimension an active, conscious posture of expectation. The verse functions as a powerful **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, a confident statement of faith that sets the tone for the entire psalm, contrasting the steadfastness of God with the instability of human affairs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 62:1 serves as a foundational statement of radical monotheism and absolute dependence on God, a theme central to biblical theology. It articulates the conviction that ultimate security, deliverance, and peace are found exclusively in the divine, challenging any reliance on human strength, wealth, or political alliances. This posture of "waiting" (דּוּמִיָּה, *dumiyah*) is not passive resignation but an active, quiet, and hopeful expectation rooted in God's unchanging character and omnipotence. It reflects a deep understanding of God's sovereignty and a surrender to His will and timing. The verse encapsulates the essence of faith—a confident trust in God's ability and willingness to save, even when circumstances seem dire, thereby inviting believers to cultivate a soul that is at rest in Him, recognizing Him as the sole and sufficient source of all true salvation.

* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Waiting on the Lord for Renewed Strength")
* [Psalm 3:8](/psalms/3-8 "Psalm 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the Lord")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 62:1 offers a profound invitation for contemporary believers to re-evaluate the true source of their security and peace in a world often characterized by anxiety, instability, and a relentless pursuit of self-reliance. David's declaration to "wait upon God" with a quiet, confident soul challenges us to cultivate a similar posture of patient trust, especially when confronted with life's inevitable storms, betrayals, or uncertainties. It calls us to cease our striving, our anxious worrying, and our misplaced trust in fleeting earthly resources, and instead, to anchor our entire being in the unchanging faithfulness and omnipotent power of God. This verse encourages a spiritual discipline of stillness and surrender, reminding us that genuine salvation—whether from fear, despair, or external threats—flows exclusively from the divine, fostering an inner calm that transcends outward chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or external circumstances rather than waiting quietly upon God?**
* **What does it practically look like for your "soul to wait upon God" in the midst of your current challenges or anxieties?**
* **How does recognizing God as the exclusive source of your "salvation" (deliverance, help, well-being) change your perspective on difficult situations?**

### FAQ

**What does "waiteth upon God" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "waiteth" (דּוּמִיָּה, _dumiyah_) implies more than passive idleness. It conveys a deep sense of quietness, stillness, and silent expectation. It means to be at rest, to be silent before God, not in a state of agitation or striving, but in a posture of hopeful confidence and patient surrender. It is an active trust that ceases from self-effort and finds peace in God's sovereignty and timing, knowing that He is working on one's behalf. This quiet waiting contrasts sharply with the turmoil and deceit David often faced, highlighting a profound inner peace found only in God.

**Why is the superscription ("To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David") important for understanding this verse?**

Answer: The superscription provides crucial context for interpreting Psalms 62:1 and the entire psalm. Firstly, "A Psalm of David" identifies the author, linking the psalm to a figure known for both profound faith and intense trials, which enriches our understanding of the personal nature of the trust expressed. Secondly, "To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun" indicates that this psalm was intended for public worship and musical performance. Jeduthun was one of King David's chief musicians ([1 Chronicles 25:1](/1_chronicles/25-1 "1 Chronicles 25:1 - David's Organization of Musicians")), suggesting that this psalm was a liturgical piece, meant to be sung and meditated upon by the community. This implies that the message of exclusive trust in God was not just a private sentiment but a communal confession of faith, designed to instruct and encourage all who heard it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 62:1, with its declaration that "Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him [cometh] my salvation," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Hebrew word for "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, _yeshu'ah_) is the very root from which the name "Jesus" (Yeshua) is derived, signifying "Yahweh saves." Jesus is the personal embodiment of God's salvation, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Where David waited for deliverance from earthly foes and distress, believers in Christ wait for the ultimate spiritual and eternal salvation uniquely provided through His life, death, and resurrection ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Our souls find their true and lasting rest not merely in a general concept of God, but specifically in the finished work of Christ, who is our peace and our refuge ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), fulfilling the quiet, patient waiting of the soul by providing an eternal security and an unshakeable hope that transcends all earthly circumstances, making Him the ultimate source of our salvation and the one upon whom our souls can truly wait in perfect peace ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - Rest for the People of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.