JFB Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Psalms 62

Public-domain commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.

Commentary Notes

v1

Psalms 62:1

Ps 62:1-12. To Jeduthun —(See on Ps 39:1, title). The general tone of this Psalm is expressive of confidence in God. Occasion is taken to remind the wicked of their sin, their ruin, and their meanness.

1. waiteth —literally, "is silent," trusts submissively and confidently as a servant.

Ps 62 1-Ps 62 12Ps 39 1
v2

Psalms 62:2

2. The titles applied to God often occur (Ps 9:9; 18:2).

be greatly moved —(Ps 10:6). No injury shall be permanent, though devised by enemies.

Ps 9 9Ps 18 2Ps 10 6
v3

Psalms 62:3

3. Their destruction will come; as a tottering wall they already are feeble and failing.

bowing wall shall ye be —better supply "are." Some propose to apply these phrases to describe the condition of "a man"—that is, the pious suffer: thus, "Will ye slay him," &c.; but the other is a good sense.

v4

Psalms 62:4

4. his excellency —or, elevation to which God had raised him (Ps 4:2). This they try to do by lies and duplicity (Ps 5:9).

Ps 4 2Ps 5 9
v6

Psalms 62:6

6. not be moved —not at all; his confidence has increased.

v7

Psalms 62:7

7. rock of my strength —or strongest support (Ps 7:10; 61:3).

Ps 7 10Ps 61 3
v8

Psalms 62:8

8. pour out your heart —give full expression to feeling (1Sa 1:15; Job 30:16; Ps 42:4).

ye people —God's people.

1Sam 1 15Job 30 16Ps 42 4
v10

Psalms 62:10

10. Not only are oppression and robbery, which are wicked means of wealth, no grounds of boasting; but even wealth, increasing lawfully, ought not to engross the heart.

v11

Psalms 62:11

11. once; twice —(as in Job 33:14; 40:5), are used to give emphasis to the sentiment. God's power is tempered by His mercy, which it also sustains.

Job 33 14Job 40 5
v12

Psalms 62:12

12. for thou renderest —literally, "that Thou renderest," &c., connected with "I heard this," as the phrase—"that power," &c. [Ps 62:11]—teaching that by His power He can show both mercy and justice.

Ps 62 11