Psalms 62

Psalms 62:1-12

Our only Rock and Refuge Psalms 62:1-12 This is the “ Only” Psalm. It consists of three stanzas, each of which begins with that word and ends with Selah. It was probably composed during Absalom’ s rebellion. Waiting, Psalms 62:1-4 They who wait for God, and God alone, cannot wait in vain. Though ringed around by men who hide their malice under specious words, the soul is not greatly moved. Their ring-fence of hate totters to its fall, but the inner wall of God’ s care is steadfast. Silence, Psalms 62:5-8 Wait here, and in Psalms 62:1, may be rendered “ is silent,” “ be silent.” There are times when God seems so near that we cannot speak aloud, but are just silent before Him and breathe out our thoughts and desires. Not disappointed, Psalms 62:9-12 Men and money are lighter than air, but God endures. His performances, unlike man’ s, weigh heavier than His promises. They who trust Him will be satisfied with an abundance of power and mercy, which are open to the poorest, but which gold can never buy.

My soul waiteth upon God! This is the “only” Psalm (see Psalms 62:2; Psalms 62:4-6). It consists of three strophes, each of which begins with that word only or surely, ach in the Hebrew (Psalms 62:1-4; Psalms 5:1-12; Psalms 6:1-10; Psalms 7:1-17; Psalms 8:1-9; Psalms 9:1-20; Psalms 10:1-18; Psalms 11:1-7; Psalms 12:1-8). The first two divisions (Psalms 62:1-4; Psalms 5:1-12; Psalms 6:1-10; Psalms 7:1-17; Psalms 8:1-9) close with “Selah.” This Psalm was probably composed during the time of Absalom’s rebellion. It resembles Psalms 39:1-13 in being dedicated to Jeduthun (1 Chronicles 25:1-3). That Psalm also gives the Hebrew word ach four times, translated surely and verily.

Psalms 62:1. Only my soul waiteth, or “is silent unto.” There are times when words fail us, and when the soul mutely waits for God’s salvation. Silence is often golden eloquence and God can understand it. Moreover waiting on God stills the soul.

Psalms 62:2-6. I shall not be moved The movement is only on the surface of the life, while the great deeps of the soul are at rest (Acts 20:24).

Psalms 62:3. How long? It is probably David who was the bowing wall and tottering fence (see R.V.). One thrust and his enemies think he will be at their feet.

Psalms 62:5. My expectation It is well for us if we have learned to look away from all creature-help to God alone.

Psalms 62:6. My rock! My salvation! What a loving accumulation of endearing titles for God! The man of fifty catches up the imagery of earlier years and ransacks memory to supply fit names for this Almighty Friend. And all that God is, is mine.

Psalms 62:8.At all times, means on dark as well as bright days. When the heart is charged with sorrow or sin, what a relief it is to open the sluice gates and pour all out toward God!

Psalms 62:9.Lighter than vanity (see R.V.): They go up as the lighter scale, lighter than vanity, i.e., a breath. How often have we looked for help from men and money in vain!–but God has never failed us.

Psalms 62:10. Oppression … robbery. The men of high degree oppress. The men of low degree are fraudulent, but the evil deeds of both are seen and known of Jehovah. The increase of riches has its dangers. It generally means the increase of temptations.

Psalms 62:11-12.Power and Mercy are the two pillars on which the Temple of His justice rests.

Psalms 62:12.God is neither unseeing nor unmindful (Psalms 10:14; Hebrews 6:10).