Chapter 62
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
4They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.”
Overview
Psalm 62 is a psalm of quiet, resolute trust. David declares: 'Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.' He alone is David's rock, salvation, and defence — he shall not be greatly moved. Enemies consult to cast David down, blessing with their mouths but cursing inwardly. Again David affirms: 'My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.' He warns against trusting in oppression or riches: 'If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.' God has spoken once, twice David has heard this: that power belongs to God and mercy belongs to the Lord.
Key Themes
Waiting in Silence Upon God
The psalm's key word is 'only' — David waits upon God alone, refusing to place his expectation in any other source of help.
The Folly of Trusting in Human Power or Wealth
Men of low and high degree are altogether lighter than vanity, and riches are a deceptive foundation — only God is solid ground.
Power and Mercy Belong to God
The psalm's conclusion unites two seemingly contrasting attributes: all power belongs to God, and all mercy belongs to God — He is both mighty and tender.
Study Questions
What does it mean that David's soul waits 'only' upon God (v. 5)? How is 'only' the key word?
Why does David say he shall 'not be greatly moved' (v. 2) rather than 'not be moved at all'?
How does the warning against setting the heart on riches (v. 10) apply in a prosperity-oriented culture?
What does it mean that God has spoken 'once; twice have I heard this' (v. 11)?
How do power and mercy work together in God's character (vv. 11-12)?
Connection to Christ
Jesus waited upon the Father alone, refusing Satan's offers of worldly power and riches. He is the rock, salvation, and defence of all who trust in Him. Christ perfectly demonstrated that power and mercy belong to God — on the cross, divine power accomplished salvation through divine mercy. In Him, we find the 'only' that our souls need.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 62. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?