Psalms 62:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He only is my rock {H6697} and my salvation {H3444}; he is my defence {H4869}; I shall not be greatly {H7227} moved {H4131}{H8735)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He alone is my rock and salvation, my stronghold; I won't be greatly moved.

Berean Standard Bible

He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken.

American Standard Version

He only is my rock and my salvation: He ismy high tower; I shall not be greatly moved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 62:2 is a profound declaration of exclusive trust in God, portraying Him as the singular, unshakeable foundation for security and deliverance amidst life's storms. David, facing intense opposition, articulates an unwavering confidence that his stability and ultimate rescue come solely from the Lord, contrasting divine steadfastness with the fleeting nature of human power and loyalty. This verse serves as a timeless testament to the deep spiritual resilience found in absolute reliance on God's immutable character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 62:2 stands as the emphatic core of a psalm that opens and closes with a posture of quiet waiting on God. The preceding verse, [Psalms 62:1](/psalms/62-1 "Psalms 62:1 - My Soul Waits for God Alone"), sets the tone of patient expectation, declaring that salvation comes "from him." Following this foundational statement, [Psalms 62:3-4](/psalms/62-3-4 "Psalms 62:3-4 - Enemies' Deceit") immediately introduces the adversaries who seek David's downfall with deceit and lies, highlighting the precariousness of his situation. The psalm then reiterates the call to wait on God (e.g., [Psalms 62:5](/psalms/62-5 "Psalms 62:5 - My Soul, Wait Only Upon God")), reinforcing the theme of exclusive reliance. The entire psalm is a powerful contrast between the instability of human malice and the unwavering stability of God, culminating in a call to "trust in him at all times" ([Psalms 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Psalms 62:8 - Trust in Him at All Times")). Verse 2, therefore, functions as the central theological anchor, articulating the specific attributes of God that make such trust possible.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalm does not specify the exact historical moment, it clearly reflects a period of intense personal and political danger for David, likely involving betrayal and plots against his life, as suggested by the imagery of enemies who "consult only to cast him down from his high position" ([Psalms 62:4](/psalms/62-4 "Psalms 62:4 - Enemies' Deceit")). In ancient Near Eastern kingship, a monarch's security often depended on military strength, political alliances, and the loyalty of his subjects. David, as king of Israel, would have faced constant pressures to rely on these earthly means. However, this psalm reveals his radical departure from conventional wisdom, choosing instead to place his sole reliance on Yahweh. The concept of God as a "rock" or "fortress" was deeply ingrained in Israelite culture, stemming from their wilderness wanderings where actual rocks provided shelter and defense, and from the theological understanding of God's steadfastness demonstrated throughout their history, particularly in the [Exodus account](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Deliverance of Israel").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Exclusive Reliance on God**, emphasized by the emphatic "He only," which declares God as the singular source of strength and salvation, rejecting any alternative or partial reliance on human efforts or worldly systems. This connects to the wisdom literature's call to trust in the Lord with all your heart, leaning not on your own understanding ([Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord")). Another central theme is **God as an Unshakeable Foundation**. Calling God "my rock" is a foundational biblical metaphor signifying His unchanging nature, immense strength, and absolute reliability, echoing descriptions of God as the perfect Rock in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - The Rock, His Work is Perfect"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **Divine Salvation and Protection**, with "my salvation" pointing to God as the ultimate deliverer from all forms of danger, and "my defence" (a high fortress) underscoring God's active role as a mighty protector who shields His people. Finally, the declaration "I shall not be greatly moved" speaks to **Inner Stability Amidst Turmoil**, signifying a deep spiritual resilience and unshakeable faith that comes from absolute trust in God, even when external circumstances are chaotic, a theme also found in [Psalm 16:8](/psalms/16-8 "Psalm 16:8 - I Shall Not Be Moved").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rock (Hebrew, _tsûwr'_):** This word (H6697) properly refers to a cliff or sharp rock, or generally a rock or boulder. Its usage here emphasizes God's immense stability, His role as an unyielding refuge, and His ability to provide an absolutely secure and unmovable foundation. It conveys the idea of a place of safety that cannot be breached or shaken, a high and strong natural fortress, and can even refer to God Himself as the mighty One.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** The term (H3444) is a feminine passive participle meaning "something saved," abstractly referring to deliverance. It encompasses aid, victory, prosperity, health, and welfare. It speaks to God's active intervention to save His people from danger, oppression, and distress, both physically and spiritually. It highlights God as the source of ultimate well-being and liberation, not merely from immediate threats but from all that assails the soul.
* **Defence (Hebrew, _misgâb'_):** This word (H4869) means "a cliff (or other lofty or inaccessible place)" and figuratively, "a refuge." It depicts God as an elevated, inaccessible refuge, a fortress high above the reach of enemies. It conveys the idea of a secure, fortified position that provides protection and safety, implying that God lifts His people above the fray, placing them in a position of invulnerability against their adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He only [is] my rock and my salvation;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the exclusivity and sufficiency of God. The emphatic "He only" (אַךְ) underscores that God, and no other, is the sole source of David's stability ("my rock") and deliverance ("my salvation"). This is a declaration of absolute dependence, rejecting any reliance on human strength, alliances, or worldly resources. God is portrayed as both the unshakeable foundation upon which David stands and the active agent of his rescue from all forms of peril.
* **"[he is] my defence;":** This phrase further elaborates on God's protective role. The term "defence" (מִשְׂגָּב, _misgâb'_) evokes the imagery of a high fortress or stronghold. It signifies that God is not merely a passive support but an active, strategic protector who elevates David to a place of safety beyond the reach of his enemies. This implies a secure refuge, a place of elevated security where no adversary can penetrate.
* **"I shall not be greatly moved.":** This concluding declaration is a statement of profound inner stability and resilience. It does not imply an absence of trials or external pressures, but rather a deep, spiritual rootedness that prevents one from being dislodged or overthrown by them. Because God is his rock, salvation, and defence, David possesses an internal equilibrium and confidence that transcends the chaos of his circumstances, ensuring he will not be utterly shaken or fall.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 62:2 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily employing the powerful images of "rock," "salvation," and "defence" to describe God. The **Metaphor** of God as a "rock" (צוּר, _tsûwr'_) vividly conveys His unchangeable nature, immense strength, and absolute reliability as a foundation. Similarly, "defence" (מִשְׂגָּב, _misgâb'_), meaning a high place or stronghold, functions as a **Metaphor** for God as an impregnable refuge and protector. The phrase "He only" utilizes **Emphasis** and **Exclusivity**, highlighting God as the solitary and ultimate source of security, effectively dismissing any other potential reliance. This creates a strong **Contrast** (though implicit) between the fleeting and unreliable nature of human power and the immutable, steadfast character of God. The final declaration, "I shall not be greatly moved," employs **Understatement** (or Litotes) to convey a profound truth: despite facing significant threats, the psalmist's inner stability is so profound that he will not be dislodged, implying complete steadfastness rather than a mere minor disturbance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 62:2 serves as a cornerstone for understanding the biblical doctrine of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and His role as the ultimate refuge for His people. It articulates a theology of radical monotheism, where all trust and security are directed exclusively towards God. This verse underscores that true stability and deliverance are not found in human strength, political power, or material wealth, but solely in the immutable character and saving power of the Lord. It reflects the consistent biblical witness that God is the one true source of life, protection, and ultimate salvation, a theme that resonates throughout the Old and New Testaments, inviting believers to cultivate a posture of unwavering dependence on Him in all circumstances.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God, the Perfect Rock")
* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is My Rock and Fortress")
* [Isaiah 26:3-4](/isaiah/26-3-4 "Isaiah 26:3-4 - Trust in the Lord Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 62:2 offers profound encouragement and a vital call to cultivate a radical dependence on God in every aspect of life. In a world marked by relentless uncertainty, economic fluctuations, social upheaval, and personal challenges, this verse calls us to look beyond temporary solutions and human capabilities, and to place our ultimate trust in the one true God. When we acknowledge Him as our exclusive "rock," "salvation," and "defence," we gain a spiritual security that transcends circumstances. This unwavering trust empowers us to face life's storms with a quiet confidence, knowing that with God as our foundation, we will experience a deep inner stability and "shall not be greatly moved." It is a reminder that our true security is not found in what we possess or what others can do for us, but in who God is and His unfailing faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to place your trust in something or someone other than God?**
* **How does understanding God as your "rock" and "defence" change your perspective on current challenges or fears?**
* **What does it mean practically to "not be greatly moved" in the face of adversity, and how can you cultivate this inner stability?**
* **How does David's exclusive reliance on God challenge you to deepen your own dependence on Him?**

### FAQ
**Does "I shall not be greatly moved" mean I won't face any difficulties or emotional distress?**

Answer: No, the phrase "I shall not be greatly moved" does not imply an absence of trials, struggles, or even emotional distress. The context of Psalm 62 itself reveals David was facing intense opposition and betrayal ([Psalms 62:3-4](/psalms/62-3-4 "Psalms 62:3-4 - Enemies' Deceit")). Rather, it speaks to an inner spiritual stability and a fundamental security that prevents one from being utterly overthrown, dislodged, or destroyed by these challenges. It signifies being deeply rooted in faith, like a house built on a solid rock that withstands storms ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). While external circumstances may rage, the believer's core identity and ultimate hope remain anchored in God, providing an unshakeable foundation for the soul.

**Why is God called "my rock" so often in the Psalms and other biblical texts?**

Answer: The metaphor of God as "my rock" is deeply significant and frequently used throughout the Bible (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - The Rock, His Work is Perfect"), [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is My Rock and Fortress")). In ancient Israel, rocks and cliffs provided literal refuge, shelter, and strongholds against enemies. The term conveys God's unchanging nature, immense strength, absolute reliability, and His role as an impregnable fortress. Unlike shifting sands or human foundations, a rock is stable, enduring, and provides a firm footing. It signifies that God is the ultimate source of security, stability, and protection, a dependable refuge in times of trouble.

**How does this verse help me deal with anxiety or fear in my life?**

Answer: Psalms 62:2 provides a powerful antidote to anxiety and fear by redirecting our focus from volatile circumstances to the unchanging character of God. When we acknowledge God as our exclusive "rock" and "defence," we are reminded that our ultimate security is not dependent on external factors or our own limited abilities. This shifts our perspective from a sense of vulnerability to one of profound trust. By consciously placing our reliance on the One who is unmovable and our ultimate salvation, we can experience an inner peace and stability that transcends our fears, knowing that He is our unshakeable foundation, even when the world around us feels chaotic. This truth invites us to quiet our souls before Him, as the psalmist does in [Psalms 62:1](/psalms/62-1 "Psalms 62:1 - My Soul Waits for God Alone") and [Psalms 62:5](/psalms/62-5 "Psalms 62:5 - My Soul, Wait Only Upon God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 62:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Rock" upon whom the church is built, the unshakeable foundation of our faith, as declared by Peter in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - You Are Peter, and On This Rock I Will Build My Church"). Just as the Israelites drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, so that "Rock was Christ" ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ, the Spiritual Rock")). He is our complete "Salvation," the one through whom deliverance from sin, death, and all spiritual enemies is fully accomplished, for "there is salvation in no one else" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No One Else")). Christ is our ultimate "Defence," our high fortress and stronghold, who conquered the powers of darkness and now intercedes for us at the right hand of God, securing our position in Him ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")). Because our lives are hidden with Christ in God, we are truly "not greatly moved" by the shifting sands of this world, but stand firm on the Cornerstone, Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Cornerstone"); [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")). In Him, David's ancient declaration of trust becomes the living reality for every believer.

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 18:2

The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower.

2 Corinthians 4:8

¶ [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair;

2 Corinthians 4:9

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Psalms 62:6

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

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Isaiah 32:2

And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.

Psalms 89:26

He shall cry unto me, Thou [art] my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.