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 presents a profound declaration of King David's unwavering and singular trust in God, establishing the foundational theme for the entire psalm. Amidst personal or national turmoil, David's entire being finds its quiet, patient, and hopeful rest exclusively in the Almighty, affirming that true deliverance, security, and well-being originate solely from Him, rather than from human strength, fleeting circumstances, or deceptive alliances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 62 is strategically placed within Book II of the Psalter (Psalms 42-72), a collection frequently marked by individual and communal laments, expressions of trust, and petitions for divine intervention. It immediately follows [Psalm 61](/psalms/61 "Psalm 61 - A Prayer for Refuge in God"), which also emphasizes God as a refuge and strong tower, and precedes [Psalm 63](/psalms/63 "Psalm 63 - A Thirst for God"), a psalm of longing for God in a dry land. The superscription, "To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David," is crucial. It attributes the psalm to David, indicating its authoritative origin, and designates its liturgical purpose, signifying that it was intended for public worship and musical performance 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's emphatic declaration of exclusive reliance on God sets a powerful tone, which is then meticulously developed throughout the psalm, contrasting the steadfastness of divine faithfulness with the inherent instability and futility of human endeavors and trust in worldly power ([Psalms 62:9-10](/psalms/62-9-10 "Psalm 62:9-10 - The Futility of Human Trust")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical circumstances prompting Psalm 62 are not explicitly detailed, the psalm's themes of betrayal, enemies, and a need for divine deliverance strongly suggest a period of intense personal or political crisis in David's life. Scholars often propose events such as Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion and David's Flight")) or the persistent persecution by King Saul ([1 Samuel 18-24](/1_samuel/18 "1 Samuel 18 - Saul's Jealousy of David")). In ancient Israel, security was often sought through military strength, political alliances, and tribal loyalties. However, David, as a king chosen by God, consistently models a counter-cultural reliance on the divine. His declaration in [Psalms 62:1](/psalms/62-1 "Psalm 62:1 - My Soul Waits for God") stands in stark contrast to the prevailing human tendencies to trust in chariots, horses, or wealth. The concept of "salvation" (*yeshu'ah*) in this era was comprehensive, encompassing not only spiritual deliverance from sin but also physical rescue from enemies, protection from harm, and overall well-being and prosperity in all aspects of life.

* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces and encapsulates several profound theological themes that permeate Psalm 62 and resonate throughout the broader biblical narrative. The foremost theme is **Exclusive Trust in God**, emphatically stated by David's declaration that his soul "waiteth upon God," underscoring an absolute and undivided dependence on the Divine. This is inextricably 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 sharply with the futility of human efforts or alliances ([Psalms 62:9-10](/psalms/62-9-10 "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 and the deceit of men, embodying a profound spiritual peace that arises from surrendering one's fate to the sovereign Lord. This inner stillness is a testament to the power of faith to transcend outward turmoil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** Derived from H5315, this term refers to a breathing creature, vitality, and is used broadly to encompass the entire being—mind, will, emotions, and life itself. When David states "my soul waiteth," he is not referring to a mere part of himself, but his whole person, his innermost being, with all its desires, anxieties, and capacities, is directed towards and finds its rest in God. This signifies a holistic and profound reliance.
* **Waiteth (Hebrew, _dûwmîyâh'_):** From H1747, this word means "stillness," "silently," "quiet," or "trust." It implies more than passive waiting; it is an active posture of serene composure, patient expectation, and tranquil reliance. David's soul is not agitated or striving, but has ceased from its own efforts, finding a quiet confidence in God's timing and action. It speaks of a deep, abiding trust that leads to inner peace.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** From H3444, this feminine passive participle means "something saved," encompassing deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity, health, and welfare. It is a comprehensive term for God's saving intervention, referring to a holistic well-being and ultimate triumph 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 ultimate triumph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.":** This is the superscription, a vital interpretive header. It identifies David as the inspired author, providing the psalm with a historical and theological anchor. The dedication "To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun" indicates its intended use in public worship, specifically for musical performance under the direction of Jeduthun, one of David's appointed worship leaders. This highlights the psalm's liturgical significance and its role in shaping communal faith and worship.
* **"Truly my soul waiteth upon God:":** This is the core declaration of the psalm, an emphatic statement of exclusive reliance. The implied "Truly" (from the Hebrew particle _'akh_, meaning "only" or "surely") underscores the singular focus of David's trust. His "soul" (*nephesh*), representing his entire being—his intellect, emotions, and will—is actively and quietly "waiting" (*dûwmîyâh*) upon God. This signifies a profound posture of patient, confident, and tranquil expectation, resting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness rather than in human strength or the instability of circumstances.
* **"from him [cometh] my salvation.":** This concluding clause directly and unequivocally states the source of David's deliverance. The implied verb "cometh" emphasizes that salvation is not self-generated, earned, or found in any earthly alliance or human endeavor, but originates *from God* alone. This underscores God's omnipotence, His exclusive role as the deliverer and sustainer of life, and His provision of comprehensive rescue and well-being in all its forms.

#### Literary Devices
The opening verse of Psalm 62 masterfully employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most evident is the **Superscription**, which, although external to the poetic body, serves as a crucial framing device, providing essential information regarding authorship, intended audience, and liturgical function, thereby establishing the psalm's divine inspiration and its role in communal worship. Within the verse itself, David utilizes a powerful form of **Emphasis** through the implied particle "Truly" (אַךְ), which immediately establishes the singular and exclusive focus of his trust in God. This creates a strong sense of conviction and absolute dependence. Furthermore, there is a subtle yet profound **Personification** as David attributes the act of "waiting" to his "soul," giving an inner, spiritual dimension an active, conscious posture of expectation and rest. 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 and inviting the listener into a similar posture of trust.

### 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 profound 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" (*dûwmîyâh*) 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 perfect will and timing. The verse encapsulates the essence of biblical 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 and allows us to live from a place of deep, abiding peace regardless of our circumstances. It is a call to align our souls with the sovereign will of God, finding our ultimate rest and deliverance in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently tempted to rely on your own strength, human wisdom, or external circumstances rather than waiting quietly upon God?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a "soul that waiteth 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) transform your perspective on difficult situations and your approach to prayer?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The Hebrew word for "waiteth" (דּוּמִיָּה, _dûwmîyâh_) implies far more than passive idleness or simply biding time. 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 profound peace in God's sovereignty and timing, knowing that He is actively working on one's behalf. This quiet waiting contrasts sharply with the turmoil and deceit David often faced, highlighting a profound inner peace and security found only in God. It is a deliberate act of choosing to rely on divine power over human capacity.

**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. It grounds the psalm in a historical reality. 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, encourage, and unify all who heard and sang it, making its truths applicable beyond David's personal experience.

### 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 the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Hebrew word for "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, _yᵉshûwʻâh_) 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 - 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 perfect life, atoning death, and victorious 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 ultimate 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, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). In Christ, the quiet, patient waiting of the soul is fulfilled by 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, knowing that He has secured our eternal rest ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "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.

Cross-References

Psalms 62:2

He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

Lamentations 3:25

The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.

Psalms 33:20

Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he [is] our help and our shield.

Psalms 37:7

¶ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

James 5:7

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.