Psalms 62:5

KJV

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him.

KJV (with Strong's)

My soul {H5315}, wait {H1826}{H8798)} thou only upon God {H430}; for my expectation {H8615} is from him.

Complete Jewish Bible

My soul, wait in silence for God alone, because my hope comes from him.

Berean Standard Bible

Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him.

American Standard Version

My soul, wait thou in silence for God only; For my expectation is from him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 62:5 is a profound personal declaration from David, a command to his own soul to maintain an exclusive and patient reliance upon God amidst turmoil. It articulates the foundational truth that true hope, security, and expectation for deliverance and well-being originate solely from the divine, serving as a powerful anchor for faith in times of adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to Psalm 62, a psalm of trust and lament attributed to David. It echoes the opening declaration of the psalm, "Truly my soul waiteth upon God" [Psalms 62:1](/psalms/62-1 "Psalm 62:1 - My Soul Waits for God"), reinforcing the core theme of singular dependence. The intervening verses detail the intense pressure David faces from his enemies, who "imagine mischief against him" and "delight in lies" [Psalms 62:3-4](/psalms/62-3 "Psalm 62:3 - David's Enemies") and [Psalms 62:4](/psalms/62-4 "Psalm 62:4 - Deceitful Enemies"). In light of this external chaos and deceit, verse 5 serves as a deliberate, internal refocusing—a self-exhortation to remain steadfast in faith, reiterating the only true source of stability. The repetition of "only upon God" from the psalm's beginning emphasizes the unwavering nature of David's conviction despite his circumstances, creating a powerful rhetorical framework for the entire composition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical backdrop for Psalm 62 is not explicitly stated, it is commonly associated with periods of intense personal danger and opposition in David's life, such as his flight from King Saul (e.g., [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees Saul")) or, more likely, the rebellion of his son Absalom (e.g., [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's stability and legitimacy were often challenged by rivals and internal factions. David's enemies sought to "cast him down from his high estate" [Psalms 62:4](/psalms/62-4 "Psalm 62:4 - David's Enemies Seek His Downfall"), implying a threat to his kingship and very life. In such a volatile environment, reliance on human alliances or military might was common, yet David consistently directs his hope toward God. The concept of "waiting" (Hebrew: *qavah*) was not passive idleness but an active, hopeful posture of looking to a superior for aid and deliverance, much like a servant waiting on a master or a watchman for the dawn. This active waiting was deeply embedded in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where trust in Yahweh was paramount, especially when human solutions failed.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Sole Reliance on God**, emphasizing that God is the exclusive source of security, strength, and salvation, a truth echoed in [Psalms 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord") and [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). Closely related is **Patient Endurance and Trust**, which underscores the necessity of waiting on God's timing and sovereign plan, rather than resorting to human schemes or despair. This theme is foundational to the concept of faith itself, as seen in [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Those Who Wait on the Lord"). Finally, the theme of **Divine Expectation and Hope** highlights that the believer's future, deliverance, and ultimate well-being are not based on circumstances or human effort, but on God's unchanging character and unfailing promises. This hope is not a mere wish but a confident anticipation rooted in God's faithfulness, a concept beautifully articulated in [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope Does Not Put Us to Shame").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wait (Hebrew, _dûmîyâh'_):** While the common Hebrew word for "wait" in the sense of "hope" or "expect" is *qavah* (קוה), the KJV "wait thou only upon God" in Psalms 62:5 translates the Hebrew word דּוּמִיָּה (*dûmîyâh*), which literally means "silence," "quietness," or "rest." This choice of word is significant. It suggests a waiting that is not merely patient, but characterized by a deep inner stillness, a quiet submission, and a cessation of anxious striving or reliance on self. It implies a tranquil, unagitated trust, where the soul finds its rest and quiet assurance *in* God, rather than in frantic activity or noisy complaint. It's a call for the soul to be silent before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and power.
* **Expectation (Hebrew, _tiqvâh'_):** The Hebrew word תִּקְוָה (*tiqvâh*) carries the meaning of "hope," "expectation," "cord," or "line." The imagery of a "cord" or "line" is powerful, suggesting something tangible to hold onto, a lifeline or an anchor. Thus, David's "expectation" is not a vague wish but a firm, confident hope that is securely fastened to God. It is the assurance that what he anticipates—deliverance, vindication, provision—will indeed come from God, because God is the steadfast and reliable source of all good. This *tiqvâh* is active and purposeful, grounded in God's character and past faithfulness, providing stability in the face of uncertainty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My soul, wait thou only upon God":** This opening clause is a direct, emphatic command or exhortation from David to his own inner self. The address to "my soul" (נַפְשִׁי, *naphshî*) indicates a deep, personal, and internal struggle, where David consciously directs his innermost being to adopt a specific posture. The imperative "wait thou" (from *dûmîyâh*) signifies a deliberate act of quiet, patient, and submissive trust. The crucial adverb "only" (אַךְ, *ʾak*) underscores the exclusivity of this dependence, rejecting all other potential sources of help or hope—human strength, political alliances, or personal ingenuity. It is a singular focus, a radical monotheism applied to personal reliance.
* **"for my expectation [is] from him":** This second clause provides the foundational reason and justification for the preceding command. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, *kî*) introduces the basis of David's self-exhortation. His "expectation" (*tiqvâh*), encompassing his hope, confidence, and anticipation of future good, is explicitly stated as originating "from him"—that is, from God alone. This declares God as the sole, ultimate, and unfailing source of all that David truly needs and desires. It transforms "waiting" from a passive act into an active, hopeful posture, because the object of that hope is absolutely dependable.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 62:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Apostrophe** is evident as David directly addresses his "soul," treating it as a distinct entity to be commanded and reasoned with. This internal dialogue highlights the intensely personal and intentional nature of his faith. Closely related is **Personification**, as the "soul" is given the human capacity to "wait" and possess "expectation." This device makes the abstract concept of spiritual resolve tangible and relatable. The phrase "only upon God" demonstrates **Emphasis through Exclusivity**, underscoring the singular focus of David's trust and rejecting any alternative sources of hope. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Self-Exhortation**, a common feature in the Psalms where the psalmist encourages himself to remember God's character and promises amidst distress. This self-talk is a powerful spiritual discipline, reinforcing faith against doubt and fear. The structure of the verse also exhibits a subtle **Cause and Effect** relationship, where the command to "wait" is directly justified by the confident assertion that "expectation is from Him."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 62:5 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical doctrine of divine sovereignty and the believer's absolute dependence on God. It encapsulates the theological truth that God is not merely *a* source of help, but the *only* true and ultimate source of hope, security, and salvation. This verse challenges the human tendency to place trust in fleeting resources—wealth, power, human relationships, or personal ability—and redirects the soul to the unchanging, all-sufficient character of Yahweh. It teaches that genuine peace and stability in a chaotic world are found not in controlling circumstances, but in surrendering to God's will and patiently awaiting His intervention. This posture of quiet, confident reliance is a hallmark of mature faith, recognizing that God's timing and methods are perfect, and His promises are unfailing.

* [Psalms 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait for the Lord")
* [Lamentations 3:24](/lamentations/3-24 "Lamentations 3:24 - The Lord Is My Portion")
* [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - In Quietness and Trust Shall Be Your Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that constantly bombards us with anxieties, pressures, and temptations to find security in anything but God, Psalms 62:5 serves as a timeless anchor for the soul. It calls us to a radical reorientation of our hope, reminding us that our deepest longings, our truest security, and our ultimate deliverance must be rooted exclusively in God. Like David, we often face "enemies"—whether they are external adversaries, internal struggles, financial uncertainties, health crises, or relational brokenness. In such moments, the natural inclination is to strive, to control, to worry, or to seek quick fixes from human sources. This verse, however, redirects us: "My soul, wait thou only upon God." It's an invitation to cultivate a profound inner stillness, a quiet confidence that ceases from anxious striving and rests in the knowledge of God's sovereign power and unfailing love. Our "expectation"—our hope for provision, healing, guidance, or peace—is not a fragile wish, but a firm conviction because its source is the immutable God. This requires a conscious, daily act of faith, reminding ourselves, as David did his soul, where our true and only source of help lies. It encourages us to surrender our timelines and our perceived solutions, trusting that God's plan is perfect and His timing is always right, fostering a deep peace that transcends understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "enemies" or sources of anxiety in your life that tempt you to place your hope elsewhere than God?**
* **How does the concept of "waiting" as a quiet, active trust, rather than passive idleness, challenge your typical response to difficult situations?**
* **In what practical ways can you "direct your soul" to wait only upon God this week, intentionally shifting your expectation from circumstances to Him?**
* **What specific promises of God can you cling to as the foundation for your "expectation" in your current season of life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "wait upon God" actively, not passively?**

Answer: To "wait upon God" actively means cultivating a posture of patient, hopeful, and expectant reliance on Him, rather than simply doing nothing. It's not idleness, but a deliberate cessation of anxious striving and self-reliance, coupled with an intentional focus on God's character, promises, and sovereignty. It involves prayer, studying His Word, seeking His will, and trusting His timing, even when circumstances seem bleak or the answer is delayed. It's like a servant attentively waiting for the master's command [Psalms 123:2](/psalms/123-2 "Psalm 123:2 - Our Eyes Look to the Lord"), or a watchman waiting for the dawn [Psalms 130:6](/psalms/130-6 "Psalm 130:6 - My Soul Waits for the Lord"). This active waiting frees us from the burden of trying to control outcomes and allows God to work in His perfect way and time.

**How can I genuinely have "expectation from God" when my circumstances seem hopeless?**

Answer: Having "expectation from God" amidst seemingly hopeless circumstances is a profound act of faith, rooted not in the visibility of a solution, but in the unchanging nature of God Himself. It requires shifting your focus from the problem to the character of God—His omnipotence, faithfulness, and love. This expectation is built on remembering His past acts of deliverance (e.g., [Psalms 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - I Will Remember the Deeds of the Lord")), meditating on His promises in Scripture (e.g., [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")), and trusting that His plans for you are good, even if they are not yet clear (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - Plans for Welfare, Not for Evil")). It's a confident assurance that God is at work, even when you cannot see it, and that His ultimate purpose will prevail for your good and His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 62:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the principle of waiting "only upon God" and whose entire "expectation" was from the Father. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, lived a life of complete dependence, declaring, "The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing" [John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus' Dependence on the Father"). His unwavering trust in the Father's plan, even unto the cross, exemplifies the quiet, active waiting described by David. He endured the ultimate opposition and betrayal, yet His expectation for vindication and resurrection was solely from God, as prophesied in [Psalms 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - You Will Not Abandon My Soul to Sheol"). For the believer, Christ is not only the perfect example of this radical dependence but also the very ground of our hope. Our "expectation" is now anchored in His finished work on the cross and His glorious resurrection, which secured our salvation and promises our future glory [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - A Living Hope Through Resurrection"). He is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory"), meaning that our confident anticipation for deliverance, peace, and eternal life is found exclusively in Him. When we are called to "wait upon God," we do so in union with Christ, knowing that He has already secured our ultimate victory and that our future is eternally safe in His hands [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good").

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

Micah 7:7

¶ Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Psalms 27:13

[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Lamentations 3:24

The LORD [is] my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Lamentations 3:26

[It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Psalms 42:11

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalms 71:5

For thou [art] my hope, O Lord GOD: [thou art] my trust from my youth.