Bible Commentaries
Psalms 62

Verses 1-12

Psalms 62

The Rock of Defense

This psalm indicates that David longed to lead men to trust in God. It is made of three Strophes, punctuated by "Selah," the meditation pause, at the end of the first two strophes, v. 4, 8.

Scriptures v. 1-12:

Verse 1, 2 confide that David’s soul-life found rest or repose in turning to God, in the midst of tumultuous agitation all about him. It is still this way and the Lord desires to give rest in such troubled times of life to all who cast their cares and trust on Him, Matthew 11:28; 1 Peter 5:7. He is the rock and foundation of soul-life, of true salvation, Jonah 2:9; Luke 19:10; Acts 4:12. In Him one may find a trustworthy, eternal defence, 1 Corinthians 10:4. See also Psalms 37:24; Acts 20:24.

Verse 3 inquires just how long will you, "my enemies," imagine mischief or deceit against a man? He warns, "ye shall be slain all of you. As a bowing, (falling) wall, a tottering fence." This regards those who were conspiring against David’s life and royal throne, to destroy both, Psalms 2:2-3. He describes here the final end of all the ungodly, Ezekiel 13:13-14; Isaiah 30:13; Psalms 118:13.

Verse 4 explains that his enemies consulted one another, by collusion, to depose him from the royal throne of his excellency, delighting in lies, blessing with their mouths, but cursing inwardly, like hydra-headed demons, hypocrites of the deepest dye, Psalms 28:3; Psalms 55:21; Luke 20:20; Isaiah 63:10; 2 Samuel 15:7-9. See also Genesis 49:3; 1 Samuel 15:14. He adds, "Selah," meditate on this.

Verses 5, 6 relate David’s turn from addressing his enemies to talk to his own soul, to ask it to wait or rely upon God. For his hope of victory was in and from Him, Proverbs 3:3-5. He reaffirmed that his salvation, strength, defense and refuge, existed in the Elohim God; Resting in this he resolved not to be removed or "shaken up," v. 1, 2; Psalms 37:7; Hebrews 13:5.

Verses 7, 8 affirm that in God David found salvation, glory, strength and a refuge-rock; What more? What more? would one ask? Psalms 7:2; Sufficiency exists in Him, 2 Corinthians 3:5; Philippians 4:19; Colossians 2:10; Colossians 4:12.
Verse 8 adds "trust in him at all times," not only in prosperity but also in bad times, when all seems to go wrong. Joseph, Job, David, and Paul did, Proverbs 3:3-5. He adds "pour out your heart before him. God is (always exists) a refuge for us. Selah;" Do find spiritual nourishment in this assurance; Like an empty vessel, ready to be filled, pour out your heart to God, 1 Samuel 1:15; La 2:19; Psalms 142:2; 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 2:6.

Verse 9 discloses that men of both low and high degree are vain and a living lie, no source of real help in trying times of soul-burdens. When laid in divine balances, the scales of Divine justice, they are certified to be "lighter than vanity," an untrustworthy source of help, John 15:5; Psalms 4:2; Psalms 39:5; Psalms 136:3-4; Isaiah 40:15; Isaiah 40:17; Isaiah 41:24.

Verse 10 appeals "trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery," as a way of life, Isaiah 26:4. He adds, "if riches increase, set not your heart upon them," as only "things" that do not satisfy the soul, as repeatedly warned, Mark 8:36-37; Mark 10:23; Luke 12:15; Luke 16:25; 1 Timothy 6:17.

Verse 11 asserts that "God has spoken once (enough)", he adds that twice had he heard that power perpetually belongs to God. O that men would realize it! Job 33:14; See also v. 8, 9 above.

Verse 12 concludes "unto thee, O Lord, continually belongs mercy," which men need every day, La 3:22, 23; For the Lord repays every one according to his words; in mercy mingled with righteous judgment, Matthew 5:7; Romans 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.