Psalms62
English Standard Version
1To the : according to . A of . For my in silence; from him comes my .
2He is my and my , my ; I shall not be .
3 will of you a to him, like a , a ?
4They to thrust him from his . They in . They with their , but they .
5For , O my , wait in , for my is from him.
6He is my and my , my ; I shall not be .
7On rests my and my ; my , my is .
8 in him at , O ; pour your him; is a for us.
9Those of are but a ; those of are a ; in the they go ; they are lighter a .
10Put no in ; set no on ; if , not your on them.
11 has ; have I : that belongs to ,
12and that to you, O , belongs . you will to a according to his .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Psalms 62.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: David's confidence in God. (1–7). No trust to be put in worldly things. (8–12).
vv1-7
We are in the way both of duty and comfort, when our souls wait upon God; when we cheerfully give up ourselves, and all our affairs, to his will and wisdom; when we leave ourselves to all the ways of his providence, and patiently expect the event, with full satisfaction in his goodness. See the ground and reason of this dependence. By his grace he has supported me, and by his providence delivered me. He only can be my Rock and my salvation; creatures are nothing without him, therefore I will look above them to him. Trusting in God, the heart is fixed. If God be for us, we need not fear what man can do against us. David having put his confidence in God, foresees the overthrow of his enemies. We have found it good to wait upon the Lord, and should charge our souls to have such constant dependence upon him, as may make us always easy. If God will save my soul, I may well leave every thing else to his disposal, knowing all shall turn to my salvation. And as David's faith in God advances to an unshaken stedfastness, so his joy in God improves into a holy triumph. Meditation and prayer are blessed means of strengthening faith and hope.
vv8-12
Those who have found the comfort of the ways of God themselves, will invite others into those ways; we shall never have the less for others sharing with us. the good counsel given is, to trust wholly in God. We must so trust in him at all times, as not at any time to put that trust in ourselves, or in any creature, which is to be put in him only. Trust in him to guide us when in doubt, to protect us when in danger, to supply us when in want, to strengthen us for every good word and work. We must lay out wants and our wishes before him, and then patiently submit our wills to his: this is pouring out our hearts. God is a refuge for all, even for as many as will take shelter in him. The psalmist warns against trusting in men. The multitude, those of low degree, are changeable as the wind. The rich and noble seem to have much in their power, and lavish promises; but those that depend on them, are disappointed. Weighed in the balance of Scripture, all that man can do to make us happy is lighter than vanity itself. It is hard to have riches, and not to trust in them if they increase, though by lawful and honest means; but we must take heed, lest we set our affections unduly upon them. A smiling world is the most likely to draw the heart from God, on whom alone it should be set. The consistent believer receives all from God as a trust; and he seeks to use it to his glory, as a steward who must render an account. God hath spoken as it were once for all, that power belongs to him alone. He can punish and destroy. Mercy also belongs to him; and his recompensing the imperfect services of those that believe in him, blotting out their transgressions for the Redeemer's sake, is a proof of abundant mercy, and encourages us to trust in him. Let us trust in his mercy and grace, and abound in his work, expecting mercies from him alone.
Key Words
נָצַח: properly, to glitter from afar, i.e. to be eminent (as a superintendent, especially of the Temple services and its music); to be permanent
יְדוּתוּן: Jeduthun, an Israelite
מִזְמוֹר: properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes
דָּוִד: David, the youngest son of Jesse
אֱלֹהִים: gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative
אַךְ: a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
נֶפֶשׁ: properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental)
דּוּמִיָּה: stillness; adverbially, silently; abstractly quiet, trust
יְשׁוּעָה: something saved, i.e. (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
צוּר: properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
Cross References
Psalms 62Idiom 'once, twice' emphasizes repeated, certain communication of divine truth.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Illustrates 'waiting' as silent, quiet, and patient submission to God.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Clarifies 'not greatly moved' as being shaken but not utterly cast down.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Parallel reference to the 'excellency' or high honor of the godly.
Supported by JFB
Parallels the hypocritical deceit, lies, and inward cursing of the wicked.
Supported by JFB
Practical illustration of 'pouring out the heart' in prayer before God.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel warning against trusting in fragile, vanity-laden mortal men.
Supported by JFB
Contrasts trust in God with the deceptive curse of relying on man.
Supported by JFB
New Testament parallel to being persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Another depiction of pouring out one's soul in times of trouble.
Supported by JFB
New Testament command warning those who possess riches not to trust in them.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallels the 'once... twice' numerical idiom representing repeated speech.
Supported by JFB
Verbal echo of men being weighed in the balances and found wanting.
Verbal parallel to rendering to every man according to his works.