Psalms 62

For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm by David.

My soul rests in God alone. My salvation is from him.

He alone is my rock, my salvation, and my fortress. I will never be greatly shaken.

How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down, like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?

They fully intend to throw him down from his lofty place. They delight in lies. They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

My soul, wait in silence for God alone, for my expectation is from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress. I will not be shaken.

My salvation and my honor is with God. The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Surely men of low degree are just a breath, and men of high degree are a lie. In the balances they will go up. They are together lighter than a breath.

Don’t trust in oppression. Don’t become vain in robbery. If riches increase, don’t set your heart on them.

God has spoken once; twice I have heard this, that power belongs to God.

Also to you, Lord, belongs loving kindness, for you reward every man according to his work.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview. This chapter is a meditation on the soul’s quiet confidence in God amid human treachery and vanity, contrasting the fleeting nature of human power and wealth with the enduring strength and steadfast love of God, who alone is the source of true salvation and justice.

Flow.

The psalm begins with a declaration of the psalmist’s deep repose in God alone as the only source of salvation and stability (vv. 1–2).
It then shifts to lament the wicked’s schemes—deceitful, destructive, and ultimately futile—as they conspire against the righteous (vv. 3–4).
A return to personal resolve follows, reinforcing the call to wait silently on God, who remains the unshaken rock and defender (vv. 5–7).
The focus widens to exhort all people to trust God universally, expose the emptiness of human status and riches, and affirm divine sovereignty and covenant faithfulness (vv. 8–12).

Connections. Following chapter 61, which ends with a vow of praise and trust in God’s promises, this psalm deepens the theme of waiting on God in the face of danger and deceit. The movement from personal lament and resolve (Ps. 61) to a confident contrast between divine faithfulness and human frailty (Ps. 62) sets the foundation for chapter 63, which expresses passionate longing for God in the wilderness, continuing the thread of seeking God above all earthly supports.

What it teaches. The psalm teaches that true security lies not in human alliances, status, or wealth, but in God alone, who is the rock, refuge, and rewarder of the faithful. Human beings, regardless of station, are transient and unreliable (WCF 4.3; BC Article 14), and trust placed in riches or power is misplaced (HC LD 42, Q&A 110). God’s strength and lovingkindness (hesed) are inseparable attributes, governing His governance over history and personal lives (WCF 3.7; Canons of Dort I.11). The call to "pour out your heart before him" reflects God’s accessibility to those who seek Him in sincerity (HC LD 10, Q&A 27), while the affirmation that He rewards each according to his work is consistent with His righteous judgment (WCF 5.7; Ps. 62:12).

Apply. Take heart when betrayed or threatened, remembering that God holds your honor and stands as your unshakable defense.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.