Psalm 62 – A Detailed Explanation

Introduction

Psalm 62 is a deeply reflective and contemplative psalm attributed to David. It presents a powerful message of trust and reliance on God, even in the face of adversity. Written in the poetic and expressive language of Hebrew poetry, this psalm encourages the reader to find rest and hope in God alone. Its tone is calm yet confident, grounded in a profound personal relationship with the Divine.

Text of Psalm 62 (ESV)

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
3 How long will all of you attack a man
to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
but inwardly they curse. Selah
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;
twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
according to his work.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 62 belongs to the genre of wisdom and trust psalms. It has affinities with other psalms that express personal confidence in God, such as Psalm 23, 27, and 91. Written by King David, it likely reflects a period of personal hardship or betrayal—possibly during the rebellion of his son Absalom or when he was being slandered or hunted by enemies.

The psalm is marked by a refrain-like structure, especially verses 1–2 and 5–6, which mirror each other almost exactly. This repetition emphasizes the central theme: trusting in God alone.

Structure of Psalm 62

Psalm 62 can be divided into three main sections:

Verses 1–4 – Declaration of trust and reflection on the attacks of enemies.
Verses 5–8 – Repetition of the declaration and encouragement to trust in God.
Verses 9–12 – Reflection on the fleeting nature of man, the danger of trusting in wealth, and the justice and mercy of God.

Detailed Commentary and Interpretation

Verses 1–2: The Soul’s Quiet Confidence in God

"For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation."

David begins by affirming that his soul waits in silence for God alone. The Hebrew word translated as "waits in silence" can also mean "rests" or "remains still." This is not passive resignation, but active trust. The focus on silence suggests a deep, inward stillness—a resting of the soul in the confidence that God will act.

"He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken."

God is described using three images:

Rock – stability and strength.
Salvation – deliverance and rescue.
Fortress – protection and refuge.

David declares that because of who God is, he will not be "greatly shaken." This implies that while trouble may come, it will not overwhelm him.

Verses 3–4: The Threat of Enemies

"How long will all of you attack a man to batter him..."

Now David shifts to a rhetorical address to his enemies. He describes himself as a leaning wall or tottering fence—fragile and vulnerable—but emphasizes the unjust nature of the attacks.

"They only plan to thrust him down... They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse."

This is a picture of betrayal and hypocrisy. His enemies are deceitful, appearing friendly outwardly but harboring ill intent. This might hint at political rivals or court officials who publicly supported David while secretly plotting against him.

The word Selah here suggests a pause for reflection—an invitation for the reader to contemplate the duplicity of human nature and the need for divine refuge.

Verses 5–7: Renewed Expression of Faith

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence..."

This verse mirrors verse 1, but with a slight variation: it becomes a self-exhortation. David speaks to his own soul, encouraging himself to continue trusting in God. This shows that faith is not always automatic—it is something that must be consciously reaffirmed, especially under stress.

"He only is my rock and my salvation... I shall not be shaken."

The phrase “He only” is repeated throughout the psalm to emphasize exclusive trust in God. David moves from saying he will not be “greatly shaken” (v.2) to “not be shaken” at all (v.6)—a progression in confidence.

"On God rests my salvation and my glory..."

This shows that not only David’s deliverance, but also his honor, dignity, and position rest with God. He does not depend on human approval or status.

Verse 8: A Call to the People

"Trust in him at all times, O people..."

David shifts from his personal experience to a universal call. What he has learned, he now shares with others. He invites all people to:

Trust in God at all times, not just in crisis.
Pour out your hearts before Him – honest, unguarded prayer.
Recognize that God is a refuge for all, not just kings or prophets.

Another Selah punctuates this exhortation, allowing time for reflection.

Verses 9–10: The Futility of Trusting in Man and Wealth

"Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion..."

David reflects on the transient and insubstantial nature of human beings. The imagery here reminds us of Ecclesiastes, where life is described as “vanity” or a “breath” (Hebrew: hebel). Neither the poor (low estate) nor the rich and powerful (high estate) ultimately matter in the balance—they are weightless compared to God.

"Put no trust in extortion... if riches increase, set not your heart on them."

David warns against relying on dishonest means to gain security. Even legitimate wealth is not to be trusted. The heart must remain detached from material gain, always anchored in God.

Verses 11–12: The Character of God

"Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this..."

This poetic construction emphasizes the certainty and importance of what follows. Though spoken once, its impact is doubled. It is a Hebrew idiom indicating something learned with certainty.

"That power belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love."

Two foundational truths about God:

Power – God is omnipotent and sovereign over all events.
Steadfast love (Hebrew: chesed) – God's covenantal, loyal love, dependable and enduring.

"For you will render to a man according to his work."

Here, God's justice is affirmed. While salvation is a gift, human actions are not irrelevant. God sees and rewards according to the intentions and deeds of each person.

Key Themes in Psalm 62

Exclusive Trust in God – The phrase “for God alone” appears repeatedly, underscoring that true peace and security come only from Him.
Silence and Stillness Before God – Waiting in silence implies not only trust but also surrender.
The Fragility of Human Power – People, whether poor or rich, are like a breath.
The Danger of Materialism – Riches are uncertain and not worthy of the heart’s devotion.
The Dual Nature of God’s Character – He is both powerful and loving, just and merciful.
A Call to Communal Trust – The psalm moves from individual experience to communal encouragement.

Theological Insights

Psalm 62 provides a rich theological view of God:

Monotheistic Trust – It is not merely trust in a god, but trust in God alone.
The Balance of Power and Love – God’s greatness does not negate His compassion. He is both strong enough to save and loving enough to care.
Moral Responsibility – Though the focus is on trust, human actions are not sidelined. God evaluates and rewards justly.

Practical Application

Develop Inner Stillness – In an age of noise and distraction, the psalm invites believers to cultivate a spirit of silent trust.
Let Go of False Securities – Whether it’s wealth, status, or human approval, the psalm reminds us not to anchor our hope in temporal things.
Speak Truth to Your Soul – Like David, we can encourage ourselves to hope in God, especially during times of fear or doubt.
Be Honest in Prayer – Pouring out the heart before God is a spiritual discipline that fosters intimacy and healing.
Trust God's Justice – Even when people seem to prosper through deceit or violence, God ultimately brings justice.

Conclusion

Psalm 62 stands as a timeless meditation on the soul's quiet trust in God amidst the noise and chaos of life. It is a call to exclusive reliance on the unshakable Rock, a reminder of the fleeting nature of human power, and a celebration of God’s enduring love and sovereign strength. Through its poetic beauty and theological depth, Psalm 62 invites each reader to pause, reflect, and rest in the truth that God alone is enough.

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Tuesday, April 8, 2025