1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him [cometh] my salvation.
2 He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How 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.
4 They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him.
6 He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved.
7 In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God.
8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.
9 Surely 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.
10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart [upon them].
11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power [belongeth] unto God.
12 Also unto thee, O Lord, [belongeth] mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Overview of Psalm 62
Psalm 62 is attributed to David and is a meditation on trust and reliance on God. It emphasizes the themes of divine protection, the futility of human power, and the importance of faith in God as a refuge. The chapter is composed of 12 verses that can be divided into distinct sections, each highlighting different aspects of the psalmist’s thoughts and feelings.
Structure of the Psalm
- Verses 1-2: Declaration of Trust
In these opening verses, the psalmist expresses a profound sense of peace and security in God. He describes God as his salvation, rock, and fortress, indicating that his trust is firmly placed in the divine.
- Verses 3-4: Acknowledgment of Opposition
The psalmist acknowledges the presence of adversaries who seek to undermine him. He reflects on the treachery and deceit of those around him, emphasizing the transient nature of their power.
- Verses 5-7: Renewed Trust in God
Here, the psalmist reiterates his reliance on God, contrasting his trust in the divine with the instability of human schemes. He emphasizes that his hope is anchored in God alone.
- Verses 8-10: An Invitation to Trust
The psalmist invites others to place their trust in God, encouraging them to pour out their hearts before Him. This section emphasizes God’s steadfast love and the futility of relying on wealth or power.
- Verses 11-12: Affirmation of God’s Power and Justice
The concluding verses affirm God’s omnipotence and justice, reminding the reader that God will repay each person according to their deeds. This serves as a reminder of the moral order upheld by God.
Thematic Analysis
- Trust in God
The central theme of Psalm 62 is trust. The psalmist repeatedly emphasizes his reliance on God as a source of strength and security, contrasting it with the instability of human power.
- Divine Protection
God is depicted as a fortress and rock, symbolizing safety and stability. This imagery suggests that in times of trouble, God is a reliable refuge.
- Human Frailty
The psalmist reflects on the fleeting nature of human power and the deceitfulness of those who oppose him. This serves as a reminder of the limitations of human strength and the importance of focusing on the eternal.
- Call to Community
The invitation for others to trust in God highlights the communal aspect of faith. It encourages believers to support one another in their reliance on God.
- Justice and Accountability
The final verses remind readers of God’s justice, emphasizing that all actions have consequences. This serves as both a comfort to the faithful and a warning to the unfaithful.
Conclusion
Psalm 62 serves as a profound reminder of the importance of placing trust in God amidst life’s challenges. It encourages believers to seek refuge in divine strength rather than human power, highlighting the eternal nature of God’s love and justice. This psalm resonates with themes of faith, community, and moral accountability, making it a timeless piece of scripture for reflection and meditation.
