Bible Commentaries
Psalms 62

Verses 1-12

PSALM 62

The confidence that looks to God alone and rests in Him, waiting for His deliverance.

(vv. 1-2) In the last psalm, the godly man, though looking to God, is nevertheless overwhelmed in spirit. Here, looking only to God, he is revived in spirit. He can say, “Upon God alone doth my soul rest peacefully” (JND). In the last psalm he looks with confidence to be led to the rock; here he has reached the rock, and thus can say of God, “He only is my rock.” Resting upon the rock, he can say, “I shall not be greatly moved.”

(vv. 3-4) The psalmist, turning to his enemies, deprecates their secret attacks upon one who is in weakness, like “a bowing wall, or a tottering fence” (JND). Outwardly they may pretend to favour the godly; inwardly they curse such, and secretly plot to cast him down. This was indeed a character of suffering that the Lord had to meet in full measure.

(vv. 5-8) The plottings of the wicked cannot, however, move the godly man from his confidence in God. He does not seek to defend himself, He does not look to man for help. He says, “O my soul, rest peacefully; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation” (JND). Thus looking to God he has the assurance that he will not be moved; further he realizes that God is not only his salvation, but his glory. In due time God will exalt the one whom man treats as a “bowing wall or a tottering fence.”

Thus, from his experience of God, he can exhort others to confide in God at all times. Whatever the circumstances, confide in God: whatever the difficulty, “pour out your heart before him” (cp. Php_4:6 ).

(vv. 9-12) Having exhorted to trust in God, the psalmist warns against putting confidence in man, high or low. Alas! man is corrupt, a lie; or violent, they oppress and rob; or covetous, they set their heart upon money. But let the godly be warned against trusting in social position, corrupt schemes, human power, and earthly riches. God hath said, more than once, that power and loving-kindness belong to God, and He will render to every man according to his work. How good then for the godly soul to trust alone in God, to wait patiently for Him, neither seeking to exalt himself, nor attack his enemies. Men may have a measure of power, but without mercy; or they may show mercy without righteousness. Power belongs unto God; but with power God has mercy, and with mercy He maintains righteousness, for He renders to every man according to his works.