Bible Commentaries
Psalms 62

Verses 1-12

This is a Ps. of the strongest faith, in which the experience of hostility (Psalms 62:3-4) and the contemplation of life (Psalms 62:9-10) only provide the background against which a serene confidence in God displays itself. Its tone is not inconsistent with the character of David, who ’strengthened himself in the Lord his God’ (1 Samuel 30:6 RV). Psalms 62:1-2 are practically repeated in Psalms 62:5, Psalms 62:6.

Title.—Jeduthun] see on Psalms 39.

1. Truly.. waiteth] RV ’my soul waiteth only.’ The word rendered ’only’ occurs six times in the Ps.

3. Ye shall be slain] RV ’that ye may slay him,’ or better still,’ battering him,’ a figure continued in the next clause.

As a bowing wall shall ye be, etc.] RV ’like a bowing wall and like,’ etc. The comparison applies not to the assailants but to the person assailed.

9. While God is all, men are nothing, whether they be high or low. Vanity or breath, and lie or illusion are the most that they can be called. To be laid in the balance] RV ’in the balances they will go up,’ because of their lightness. Altogether] RV ’together,’ both high and low combined.

11, 12. Power and mercy] the two sides of the full-orbed character of God, both displayed in His unerring judgments of men.