Psalms 62:7

KJV

In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God.

KJV (with Strong's)

In God {H430} is my salvation {H3468} and my glory {H3519}: the rock {H6697} of my strength {H5797}, and my refuge {H4268}, is in God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My safety and honor rest on God. My strong rock and refuge are in God.

Berean Standard Bible

My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock; my refuge is in God.

American Standard Version

With God is my salvation and my glory: The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 62:7 is a profound declaration of King David's absolute and unwavering dependence on God as the singular, all-sufficient source of true security, honor, and deliverance. Amidst the instability of human affairs and the deceit of adversaries, David confidently asserts that his salvation, glory, strength, and refuge are found exclusively in the immutable character and protective power of the Almighty, reiterating the central theme of trusting solely in the divine amidst life's trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 62 is a deeply personal psalm of trust, attributed to David, likely composed during a period of intense personal distress, betrayal, or political turmoil, such as Absalom's rebellion or Saul's relentless pursuit. The psalm opens with David's soul waiting in silent, steadfast reliance on God alone, proclaiming, "Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation" ([Psalms 62:1](/psalms/62-1 "Psalm 62:1 - My Soul Waits for God")). Throughout the psalm, David contrasts his unwavering reliance on God with the futility of human schemes, the instability of worldly power, and the deceitfulness of those who seek to overthrow him. He explicitly warns against placing trust in oppression, ill-gotten gain, or fleeting riches, declaring them to be vanity ([Psalms 62:9-10](/psalms/62-9-10 "Psalm 62:9-10 - The Vanity of Men and Riches")). Verse 7 serves as a powerful reiteration and expansion of the psalm's foundational declaration, articulating the specific provisions God offers to those who place their hope in Him, reinforcing the psalmist's resolute faith despite overwhelming external pressures and internal anxieties.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David, as king and a man constantly navigating political intrigue and military threats, frequently experienced periods of vulnerability, flight, and existential danger. His life was a testament to the precariousness of human power and the necessity of divine intervention. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the concepts of "rock" and "refuge" were not abstract but deeply tangible realities. Rocks, cliffs, and fortified strongholds were literal places of safety and defense against enemies, wild animals, or natural disasters. The rugged Judean landscape, with its numerous caves and rocky outcrops, provided natural fortresses. Thus, calling God a "rock" would have resonated profoundly with an audience familiar with seeking physical shelter in such places. Similarly, "glory" (Hebrew: _kavod_) in this context refers not merely to personal honor or fame but to one's substantial reputation, dignity, wealth, and even divine favor. David's declaration that his glory is "in God" directly challenges the prevailing cultural norms that often linked these attributes to human power, military might, or material possessions, redirecting the source of true honor to the divine.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 62:7 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 62 and the broader Psalter. Central to this verse is the theme of **Exclusive Trust in God**, emphasizing that God alone is the sufficient and ultimate source of all good things, contrasting sharply with the fleeting and unreliable nature of human resources and worldly pursuits. It highlights **Divine Stability and Immutability**, portraying God as an unshakeable foundation in a world of shifting sands and human treachery, a concept echoed throughout [the Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Israel") where God is consistently depicted as an unchanging anchor. Furthermore, the verse underscores **God as a Protector and Deliverer**, presenting Him as a secure refuge and the ultimate source of salvation from all forms of distress, whether physical danger, political conspiracy, or spiritual turmoil. This reinforces the consistent portrayal of God as a mighty deliverer for His people, a theme deeply rooted in Israel's history, exemplified by [the exodus narrative](/exodus "Exodus - The Deliverance of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yeshaʻ'_):** This comprehensive term, derived from a root meaning "to be wide" or "to be free," encompasses deliverance, rescue, victory, prosperity, and a broad state of well-being. For David, it signifies not just physical preservation from enemies but a holistic sense of spiritual, existential, and relational security found solely in God. It implies a comprehensive act of divine intervention that brings about a state of freedom from distress and flourishing.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From a root meaning "to be heavy" or "weighty," this word refers to substantial honor, dignity, splendor, reputation, and even wealth. It denotes something of significant worth and influence. When David declares his "glory" is in God, he asserts that his true honor, dignity, and substantial worth are not derived from his royal status, military victories, or human acclaim, but are inherently rooted in and bestowed by the divine presence, reflecting God's own splendor.
* **Rock (Hebrew, _tsûwr'_):** This powerful metaphor denotes a cliff, a sharp rock, or a boulder, signifying something strong, enduring, and often inaccessible to enemies. It speaks to God's unyielding nature, His steadfastness, and His absolute reliability as an unmovable foundation. As the "rock of my strength," God is the firm, unshakeable basis upon which David's power, resilience, and capacity to endure are built, providing ultimate stability and security in the face of any assault or trial.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In God [is] my salvation and my glory:"** This opening clause immediately establishes God as the singular, exclusive source of two fundamental aspects of human flourishing: "salvation" (deliverance, well-being, victory) and "glory" (honor, dignity, reputation). The preposition "in" (בְּ, _be_) emphasizes an intimate, inherent connection—these qualities are not merely given *by* God, but are found *within* His very being, accessible through a deep relationship with Him. David declares that his ultimate rescue from all forms of distress and his true honor are not derived from human achievement, status, or power, but are entirely dependent on and rooted in the immutable character of God.
* **"the rock of my strength,"** This phrase introduces a powerful metaphor, identifying God as the "rock" that provides "strength." The "rock" signifies immutability, stability, and an unyielding foundation. It implies that David's inner strength, resilience, and capacity to endure the pressures of his life are not inherent in himself but are derived from and sustained by God, who is as steadfast and unmovable as a mighty rock. This metaphor speaks profoundly to God's role as a firm anchor and source of power in times of personal weakness, external assault, and overwhelming opposition.
* **"[and] my refuge, [is] in God."** This concluding clause echoes the opening, reinforcing the central declaration of God's sole sufficiency and providing a sense of poetic closure and emphatic affirmation. "Refuge" portrays God as a safe haven, a secure place to which one can flee from danger, distress, persecution, or the storms of life. It highlights God's compassionate nature and His willingness to shield His children from harm, providing a secure sanctuary for the distressed soul. The repetition of "is in God" (or "in God is") acts as a powerful rhetorical device, driving home the point that every aspect of David's security, protection, and comprehensive well-being is ultimately and exclusively found in the divine presence and character.

#### Literary Devices
The profound impact and theological weight of Psalms 62:7 are significantly enhanced by its masterful use of several literary devices. The phrase "in God" acts as a powerful **Repetition** and **Inclusio**, appearing at the beginning and end of the verse. This deliberate framing device underscores the absolute centrality and exclusivity of God as the sole source of all blessings, creating a theological emphasis that leaves no room for alternative foundations of trust. The verse also employs rich **Metaphor**, most notably in the description of God as "the rock of my strength." This vivid image transforms an abstract theological concept into a tangible, relatable reality, conveying God's immutability, steadfastness, and protective power in a way that is both immediate and profound. Furthermore, there is an inherent **Parallelism** in the listing of divine provisions ("my salvation," "my glory," "the rock of my strength," "my refuge"). While not strictly synonymous, these elements are all aspects of God's comprehensive care and provision for His people, building a cumulative and expansive picture of His all-encompassing sufficiency and unwavering support.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 62:7 stands as a robust theological statement on divine sovereignty and human dependence. It articulates a theology where God is not merely a helper among many, but the exclusive and ultimate source of all true security, honor, and deliverance. This verse challenges any tendency to place ultimate trust in human power, wealth, self-sufficiency, or fleeting circumstances, redirecting the believer's gaze solely to the Almighty. It affirms God's character as immutable, steadfast, and utterly reliable, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith in a turbulent world. The comprehensive nature of the blessings—salvation, glory, strength, refuge—underscores God's holistic provision for every aspect of the believer's life, from existential well-being to personal dignity and protection from all forms of adversity, demonstrating His complete sufficiency.

* [Psalms 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is My Rock and Fortress")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")
* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God, the Perfect Rock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant flux, economic instability, relational fragility, and pervasive anxieties, Psalms 62:7 offers a timeless anchor for the soul. It compels us to critically examine the foundations upon which we build our lives and derive our sense of security, worth, and hope. Are we, like David, truly finding our "salvation" and "glory" in God alone, or are we subtly placing our ultimate trust in fleeting achievements, material possessions, the approval of others, or our own capabilities? This verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our trust, reminding us that true strength is not self-generated but divinely bestowed, and genuine refuge is not found in escape or self-reliance but in the unwavering presence and character of the Almighty. When storms rage, when betrayal stings, when our own weaknesses are exposed, or when the future feels uncertain, this declaration invites us to declare with David, "my refuge, is in God," resting in His unshakeable character and unfailing provision. It is a call to courageous, exclusive faith, knowing that our ultimate well-being, honor, and security are eternally secured in the hands of the One who is our everlasting Rock.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily seek my sense of security and worth in times of uncertainty and distress?**
* **How does understanding God as "the rock of my strength" change my perspective on personal weakness, challenges, or perceived failures?**
* **In what practical ways can I more consistently make God my "refuge" in daily life, particularly when facing anxiety, fear, or overwhelming circumstances?**
* **What does it truly mean for my "glory" to be "in God," and how does this contrast with worldly definitions of honor, success, or reputation?**

### FAQ

**Why is the phrase "in God" repeated in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "in God" at the beginning and end of Psalms 62:7 serves as a powerful literary and theological device known as an **inclusio**. This emphatic repetition underscores the absolute and exclusive nature of God as the sole source of everything David declares. It creates a framing effect, driving home the central message that salvation, glory, strength, and refuge are not merely *from* God, but are inherently *found within* God Himself. It leaves no room for doubt or alternative sources of trust, reinforcing the psalmist's unwavering and singular dependence on the Almighty. It's a deliberate rhetorical choice to highlight God's all-sufficiency and the futility of trusting in anything else, a theme found throughout [Psalm 62](/psalms/62 "Psalm 62 - My Soul Waits for God Alone") and indeed, the entire Psalter.

**What is the significance of calling God "the rock of my strength"?**

Answer: The metaphor of God as a "rock" is deeply significant and prevalent throughout the Old Testament. In a literal sense, rocks, cliffs, and mountains provided physical shelter, defense, and stable ground in ancient Israel, offering protection from enemies and natural elements. Spiritually, calling God "the rock of my strength" signifies His immutability, steadfastness, and unyielding reliability. Just as a physical rock provides a firm foundation and unshakeable protection, God is the unmoving source of David's power, resilience, and stability. It implies that David's strength is not inherent in himself but is derived from and sustained by God, who is utterly dependable and unchangeable. This imagery assures the believer of God's unwavering support and protective presence, as seen in other passages like [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God, the Perfect Rock") and [1 Samuel 2:2](/1_samuel/2-2 "1 Samuel 2:2 - There is None Holy Like the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 62:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very 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")), offering complete deliverance from sin, death, and the power of darkness. In Christ, we receive not only forgiveness and reconciliation but also a new life of righteousness and peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")). He is our true "glory," for through Him, we are adopted as children of God and are invited to share in His divine nature and eternal inheritance ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature"); [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Jesus is the foundational "rock of our strength," the cornerstone rejected by human builders but chosen by God, upon whom the entire spiritual temple of believers is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone"); [1 Peter 2:6-8](/1_peter/2-6-8 "1 Peter 2:6-8 - Christ the Living Stone")). When we are weak, His strength is made perfect in us, enabling us to overcome all things through Him who loved us ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient"); [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). Moreover, Christ is our ultimate "refuge," the secure haven to whom we can flee in times of trouble, persecution, and spiritual warfare. He offers a peace that transcends all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) and promises that all who come to Him will never be cast out, finding rest for their souls ([John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All Who Come to Me"); [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Thus, in Jesus, every declaration of Psalms 62:7 finds its perfect, eternal, and all-encompassing reality.

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 3:3

But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

Isaiah 26:4

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

Psalms 94:22

But the LORD is my defence; and my God [is] the rock of my refuge.

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.

Jeremiah 3:23

Truly in vain [is salvation hoped for] from the hills, [and from] the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God [is] the salvation of Israel.

Psalms 95:1

¶ O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.