Psalms 62:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 62:6 is a profound declaration of exclusive trust and unwavering security found solely in God. Amidst life's uncertainties and the machinations of adversaries, the psalmist, David, anchors his entire being in the Divine, proclaiming God as his singular, unshakeable foundation, his ultimate deliverer, and his impenetrable refuge, from whom he derives an inner stability that no external force can dislodge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 62 is a "Psalm of Trust," a subgenre characterized by expressions of confidence in God despite dire circumstances. David begins by affirming his soul's quiet wait for God, declaring in [Psalm 62:1](/psalms/62-1 "Psalm 62:1 - My Soul Waits for God") that his "salvation comes from Him." This foundational declaration is immediately followed by a similar affirmation in [Psalm 62:2](/psalms/62-2 "Psalm 62:2 - God is My Rock and Salvation"), where God is proclaimed as his "rock," "salvation," and "defence." The verse under consideration, [Psalm 62:6](/psalms/62-6 "Psalm 62:6 - God is My Only Rock"), powerfully reiterates and expands upon this theme, serving as a confident anchor point within the psalm. The verses immediately preceding verse 6 ([Psalm 62:3-5](/psalms/62-3-5 "Psalm 62:3-5 - Enemies and Waiting on God")) describe the psalmist's enemies who plot his downfall and the imperative for his soul to "wait only upon God" because his expectation is from Him. This narrative progression sets up verse 6 as a confident affirmation born out of patient endurance and a deep-seated conviction in God's character, contrasting human treachery with divine faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting for Psalm 62 is not explicitly stated, many scholars suggest it aligns with periods of intense distress in David's life, such as his flight from Saul, as recounted in [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David's Flight from Saul"), or the tumultuous period of Absalom's rebellion, detailed in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"). In an ancient Near Eastern world where political alliances were fluid, and personal security often depended on one's earthly power or human protectors, David's declaration of God as his *only* rock and defense was a radical departure from conventional wisdom. The imagery of "rock," "salvation," and "defence" would resonate deeply with an audience familiar with fortified cities, mountain strongholds, and the constant threat of invasion or betrayal, highlighting God's superior and singular ability to provide ultimate security.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 62:6 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Exclusive Reliance on God**, where the emphatic "He only" underscores God as the singular, non-negotiable source of strength and help, contrasting sharply with the futility of trusting in human power or wealth, a concept explicitly warned against in [Psalm 62:9](/psalms/62-9 "Psalm 62:9 - Trusting in Man is Vain"). Secondly, the theme of **God as the Unshakeable Foundation** is central, portraying God as an enduring, immovable bedrock in a world of instability, a concept echoed in wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower"). Thirdly, **Divine Deliverance and Protection** is highlighted through "my salvation" and "my defence," emphasizing God's active role as rescuer and impenetrable refuge for His people, a truth celebrated in [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is My Rock and My Fortress"). Finally, the verse speaks to the **Steadfastness of the Believer**, illustrating that a faith anchored in God results in an inner stability that allows one to remain "unmoved" amidst trials, not through personal strength but through divine enablement, as affirmed 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 term (H6697) properly signifies a cliff or sharp rock, often used metaphorically in Scripture to denote God's unchangeable character, His reliability, and His protective strength. It implies a firm, unyielding foundation upon which one can stand securely, impervious to external forces, and can also refer to God as a mighty one or source of strength.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** The Hebrew word (H3444) denotes something saved, abstractly deliverance, aid, victory, or prosperity. It encompasses the full scope of God's saving acts, from physical rescue to spiritual liberation, health, and welfare. This term is deeply significant as it shares the same root as the name "Jesus" (Yeshua), pointing to the ultimate divine deliverer.
* **Defence (Hebrew, _misgâb'_):** This word (H4869) properly means a cliff or other lofty or inaccessible place, abstractly altitude, and figuratively a refuge. It conjures the image of an elevated, inaccessible fortress, providing a secure sanctuary from enemies and danger. It emphasizes God's role as an impenetrable shelter, offering complete protection to those who trust in Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He only [is] my rock and my salvation":** This opening clause establishes the exclusive nature of the psalmist's trust. The emphatic "He only" (אַךְ־הוּא) underscores that God, and no other, is the singular source of stability and deliverance. The pairing of "rock" and "salvation" highlights both God's foundational, unchanging nature and His active, saving power. He is the solid ground beneath the believer's feet and the rescuer who brings freedom and well-being.
* **"[he is] my defence":** This phrase reinforces God's protective role. The term "defence" (מִשְׂגָּב - *misgâb*) vividly portrays God as an elevated, secure stronghold, a place of safety where the believer is lifted above the reach of adversaries. It speaks to God's ability to shield and preserve His own from all harm and threat, providing an unassailable sanctuary.
* **"I shall not be moved":** This concluding declaration is a powerful statement of the believer's unwavering stability, which is a direct consequence of their trust in God. The Hebrew verb for "moved" (מוֹט - *môwṭ*, from H4131) implies tottering, swaying, or falling. The strong negation ("לֹא") asserts an absolute, unshakeable security. This is not a boast of personal strength but an affirmation of the inner steadfastness granted by God's sustaining power, allowing the psalmist to remain firm amidst external pressures and trials.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. **Metaphor** is central, with God being described as "my rock," "my salvation," and "my defence." These are not literal attributes but figurative comparisons that vividly communicate God's unwavering stability, His rescuing power, and His impenetrable protection. The use of "rock" (tsûwr) is a classic biblical **archetype** for divine steadfastness, often associated with strength and permanence. The emphatic "He only" serves as a powerful **assertion**, highlighting the exclusivity of God as the sole source of security and creating a stark **contrast** with any other potential, but ultimately futile, sources of trust. The declaration "I shall not be moved" is a strong **affirmation** and a **hyperbole** (or perhaps a statement of absolute spiritual certainty), emphasizing the profound stability that results from such exclusive reliance on God, even in the face of immense opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 62:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty and human trust. It asserts God's absolute uniqueness as the sole source of true security and deliverance, challenging any reliance on human strength, wealth, or political power. This verse undergirds the biblical emphasis on monotheism and the exclusive worship of Yahweh, portraying Him as the unchangeable, ever-present refuge for His people. The psalmist's unwavering declaration of stability ("I shall not be moved") is not a testament to his own resilience but a direct consequence of God's steadfast character, illustrating that true peace and steadfastness are found only in being anchored to the Divine.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God is the Rock")
* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is My Rock and My Fortress")
* [Matthew 7:24-25](/matthew/7-24-25 "Matthew 7:24-25 - Building on the Rock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 62:6 offers a timeless blueprint for navigating a world characterized by instability and uncertainty. In an era where security is often sought in fleeting economic prosperity, volatile political systems, or fragile human relationships, this verse calls believers to a radical reorientation of trust. It challenges us to honestly assess where our ultimate hope and stability lie. When we truly anchor our souls in God alone—recognizing Him as our unshakeable Rock, our unfailing Salvation, and our impenetrable Defence—we are empowered to face life's storms not with fear, but with an inner composure that declares, "I shall not be moved." This steadfastness is not a passive resignation but an active, confident posture of faith, allowing us to live with peace and purpose, even when circumstances rage around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to place your ultimate trust in something other than God?**
* **How does the imagery of God as your "rock," "salvation," and "defence" personally resonate with your experiences of His faithfulness?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your exclusive reliance on God, leading to a greater sense of being "unmoved" by life's challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does "He only" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "He only" (אַךְ־הוּא) is a powerful Hebrew emphatic particle, signifying exclusivity and absolute singularity. In Psalms 62:6, it means that God, and no one or nothing else, is the *sole* source of the psalmist's rock, salvation, and defense. It's a declaration that all other potential sources of security or help are ultimately futile and unreliable. This concept is reinforced throughout Psalm 62, particularly in verses like [Psalm 62:9](/psalms/62-9 "Psalm 62:9 - Trust in Man is Vain"), which warns against trusting in human beings, and [Psalm 62:10](/psalms/62-10 "Psalm 62:10 - Do Not Trust in Oppression"), which cautions against trusting in ill-gotten gain. It calls for a singular, undivided devotion and reliance on God alone.

**How can I "not be moved" when life's circumstances are so overwhelming?**

Answer: The declaration "I shall not be moved" in Psalms 62:6 does not imply an absence of trials or emotional distress, but rather an inner stability and spiritual resilience that is rooted in God's unchanging character. It's not a statement of personal strength but a consequence of placing one's entire trust in God as the ultimate Rock and Defence. When our faith is anchored in Him, external circumstances, no matter how overwhelming, cannot dislodge our fundamental hope or spiritual standing. This is a promise of divine enablement, allowing the believer to remain firm and steadfast even amidst the most turbulent storms, as seen in the New Testament promise of the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). It means that while the world may shake, our foundation in Christ remains unshakeable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 62:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the definitive "Rock" upon whom the church is built, an unshakeable foundation against which the gates of hell cannot prevail, as promised in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church's Foundation"). As the "Salvation" of God, Jesus embodies the *yᵉshûwʻâh* (deliverance) that the psalmist yearned for, offering not just temporal rescue but eternal redemption from sin and death through His atoning sacrifice, a truth beautifully articulated in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") and powerfully declared in [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name"). He is our ultimate "Defence," our High Priest and Advocate who intercedes for us without ceasing, providing a secure fortress in whom we find refuge from all spiritual adversaries and accusations, as affirmed in [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Intercedes for Us"). Through union with Christ, believers truly "shall not be moved," for our life is hidden with Him in God, as revealed in [Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Your Life is Hidden with Christ"). His resurrection is the ultimate proof that the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame or dislodged from their secure standing before God, making Him the living embodiment of the psalmist's confident declaration, as underscored in [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - Whoever Believes in Him Will Not Be Put To Shame").

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.

Psalms 112:6

¶ Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

Psalms 16:8

¶ I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Proverbs 10:30

The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.

Psalms 18:31

For who [is] God save the LORD? or who [is] a rock save our God?

Psalms 18:32

[It is] God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

Isaiah 45:17

[But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.