Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Psalms 62, attributed to David and possibly connected to the musical direction "Jeduthun" (also seen in Psalms 39 and 77), is a powerful declaration of unwavering trust in God. While no specific event is definitively linked to this psalm, it resonates with themes found throughout David's life, particularly his reliance on God amidst persecution and uncertainty, perhaps even during his flight from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2) or later during Absalom's rebellion as hinted in Psalms 63. It stands as a timeless testament to finding rest and security in God alone.
Undistracted Focus: The Key to Rest (62:1-2)
David begins by confessing that his soul finds rest in God alone. In the face of life's challenges, his sole focus is on the God of his salvation. This "waiting quietly" (Psalms 62:1) isn't passive resignation; it's an active, undistracted focus on the One who can truly deliver. God alone provides David with a stronghold—a sure defense against those who attack him. He recognizes God as his rock and salvation, his defense against which he shall not be greatly moved (Psalms 62:2). Just as Luke 6:48 speaks of building on a rock, David understands that relying on God, the perfect source of strength and stability, is the only way to avoid disappointment.
The Futility of Opposition (62:3-4)
David marvels at the futile attempts of his enemies to undermine him, considering his confidence in God. Did they truly believe that someone whose stronghold was God could be easily toppled? He likens their attacks to striking a leaning wall or a tottering fence, structures easily breached and destroyed. He recognizes the duplicity of his enemies, who outwardly bless but inwardly curse (Psalms 62:4). They seek to bring David down from his throne, plotting evil while speaking pleasantries. But David trusts that the righteous God will take note of such wicked schemes against His anointed king.
A Renewed Exhortation to Trust (62:5-8)
David repeats his confident words from the psalm's beginning, reinforcing the message of unwavering trust (Psalms 62:5-6). He exhorts his own soul to find its defense and security in God alone. With God as his hope, David knows he cannot be shaken. He understands that his kingdom is dependent on God's protection and covering. Without God, there would be no salvation or glory for David (Psalms 62:7). Therefore, he encourages fellow believers to pour out their hearts before Him, as he is doing (Psalms 62:8). Believers have every reason to trust God as their ever-present refuge. He encourages sincere, unreserved faith in the Lord, who acts in the best interests of His people.
The Transitory Nature of Earthly Things (62:9-10)
David shifts his focus to the fleeting nature of human life and earthly possessions. He reminds us that life is transitory, like a vapor (Psalms 62:9). Therefore, he cautions against placing trust in sinful actions, such as oppression and robbery, as a means of providing security. Riches are as fleeting as life itself, and wealth cannot deliver us. He urges us not to set our hearts on them (Psalms 62:10). We shouldn't look to the material to provide what only the spiritual can offer. Overdependence on wealth is foolish, as Luke 12:20 reminds us.
God's Power, Love, and Justice (62:11-12)
David concludes by affirming that ultimate power belongs solely to God. God declares that strength and faithful love belong to Him. Because of His faithful love, He has compassion on His people. And because of His strength, He has the power to demonstrate that compassion to them. This gives the Lord both the power and the authority to judge all people for their choices (Revelation 20:12–13). Thankfully, God also exhibits enduring, merciful love for those who follow Him (John 3:16–18). So, all people should take heed: God will repay each according to his works (Psalms 62:12). Let the believer have confidence; let the unbeliever beware. David's relaxed confidence comes from his trust that God sees and judges all things.
Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Psalms 62, attributed to David and possibly connected to the musical direction "Jeduthun" (also seen in Psalms 39 and 77), is a powerful declaration of unwavering trust in God. While no specific event is definitively linked to this psalm, it resonates with themes found throughout David's life, particularly his reliance on God amidst persecution and uncertainty, perhaps even during his flight from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2) or later during Absalom's rebellion as hinted in Psalms 63. It stands as a timeless testament to finding rest and security in God alone.
Undistracted Focus: The Key to Rest (62:1-2)
David begins by confessing that his soul finds rest in God alone. In the face of life's challenges, his sole focus is on the God of his salvation. This "waiting quietly" (Psalms 62:1) isn't passive resignation; it's an active, undistracted focus on the One who can truly deliver. God alone provides David with a stronghold—a sure defense against those who attack him. He recognizes God as his rock and salvation, his defense against which he shall not be greatly moved (Psalms 62:2). Just as Luke 6:48 speaks of building on a rock, David understands that relying on God, the perfect source of strength and stability, is the only way to avoid disappointment.
The Futility of Opposition (62:3-4)
David marvels at the futile attempts of his enemies to undermine him, considering his confidence in God. Did they truly believe that someone whose stronghold was God could be easily toppled? He likens their attacks to striking a leaning wall or a tottering fence, structures easily breached and destroyed. He recognizes the duplicity of his enemies, who outwardly bless but inwardly curse (Psalms 62:4). They seek to bring David down from his throne, plotting evil while speaking pleasantries. But David trusts that the righteous God will take note of such wicked schemes against His anointed king.
A Renewed Exhortation to Trust (62:5-8)
David repeats his confident words from the psalm's beginning, reinforcing the message of unwavering trust (Psalms 62:5-6). He exhorts his own soul to find its defense and security in God alone. With God as his hope, David knows he cannot be shaken. He understands that his kingdom is dependent on God's protection and covering. Without God, there would be no salvation or glory for David (Psalms 62:7). Therefore, he encourages fellow believers to pour out their hearts before Him, as he is doing (Psalms 62:8). Believers have every reason to trust God as their ever-present refuge. He encourages sincere, unreserved faith in the Lord, who acts in the best interests of His people.
The Transitory Nature of Earthly Things (62:9-10)
David shifts his focus to the fleeting nature of human life and earthly possessions. He reminds us that life is transitory, like a vapor (Psalms 62:9). Therefore, he cautions against placing trust in sinful actions, such as oppression and robbery, as a means of providing security. Riches are as fleeting as life itself, and wealth cannot deliver us. He urges us not to set our hearts on them (Psalms 62:10). We shouldn't look to the material to provide what only the spiritual can offer. Overdependence on wealth is foolish, as Luke 12:20 reminds us.
God's Power, Love, and Justice (62:11-12)
David concludes by affirming that ultimate power belongs solely to God. God declares that strength and faithful love belong to Him. Because of His faithful love, He has compassion on His people. And because of His strength, He has the power to demonstrate that compassion to them. This gives the Lord both the power and the authority to judge all people for their choices (Revelation 20:12–13). Thankfully, God also exhibits enduring, merciful love for those who follow Him (John 3:16–18). So, all people should take heed: God will repay each according to his works (Psalms 62:12). Let the believer have confidence; let the unbeliever beware. David's relaxed confidence comes from his trust that God sees and judges all things.