Psalm 62
True Happiness
This psalm expresses confidence in the king and offers prayer for him. The king rests in God despite his difficulties. Although his deceptive and powerful adversaries push hard against him, he remains undaunted. He encourages himself and his people to trust in God and to see their human adversaries from God’s perspective, where they appear frail, fleeting, and deceptive (62:9).
62:1 my soul waits in silence Rather than continually crying out to God (compare 22:2), the psalmist quietly waits for Him, confident that He will bring salvation.
62:2 Only he Asserts trust in God alone-He is the only one who can deliver the psalmist and provide him with safety and security.
is my rock The Hebrew word used here, tsur, describes a secure location and emphasizes Yahweh's protection.
my salvation The Hebrew word used here, yeshu'ah-which may be rendered "salvation" or "deliverance"-refers to the liberation God provides from hazards and problems.
my high stronghold The Hebrew word used here, misgav, describes a high wall or rocky fortress. It emphasizes the stable protection God provides for those in need.
I shall not be greatly shaken The Hebrew verb used here, mot, expresses a lack of security and safety.
62:3 How long will you attack a man? All of you The psalmist addresses his enemies. He describes them as relentlessly attacking him, trying to bring him down as if he were a leaning wall. The enemies desire to topple the king with lies and cunning.
62:4 they are pleased with deception Emphasizes the deceit and hypocrisy of the wicked. Not only are they deceitful, but they enjoy falsehood. They hypocritically pretend to bless people when they are actually cursing them. My high position refers to the royal throne.
62:5-6 The psalmist repeats his opening words (vv. 1-2), declaring his trust in God nearly verbatim. The psalmist encourages himself and others to place their hope in God.
62:7 my glory The Hebrew word here, kavod, can refer to honor or reputation. The psalmist stakes his reputation, as well as his salvation, on his trust in God.
62:8 Trust him at all times, O people The psalmist encourages people in general to trust God at all times. Since God is their refuge, they can be confident as they trust Him.
62:9–12 Unlike God, humans are transient beings. Even when they thrive, their prosperity is fleeting.
62:9 In Hebrew, this verse includes two phrases meaning "sons of man"-bene-adam and bene ish. Many translations understand these to mean two different types of men. However, both phrases could be understood as synonyms, referring to humankind in general. not what they appear to be: People often try to look stronger and better than they are.
Only a vapor are men of low degree Demonstrates the folly of trusting in people, who are all fleeting.
a deception are The Hebrew word used here, kazav, is also used in v. 4 to describe falsehood.
62:10 do not set your heart on it The psalmist warns against trusting in wealth-especially wealth gained illegally by extortion or robbery. The crime of extortion means using intimidation and threats to make others give up what is theirs, while stealing is taking what belongs to others.
62:11 Once God has spoken The psalmist uses a numerical saying-a literary device common in Wisdom Literature-as he looks to God's promises. Strength and unfailing love remain in balance only in God. He cares for his people by ridding the world of evildoers.
strength belongs to God This emphasizes God's power to protect or save.
62:12 you will render to each The psalmist upholds God's justice. He trusts that God will give to each person what they deserve, based on their deeds-and by extension, based on whether or not they repent and turn to God. This type of divine retribution is common in Wisdom Literature (see Prov 24:12; Job 34:11).
