Psalms 62:1-12 - Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

This psalm is inscribed to Jeduthun, leader of a choral band in the temple. 1 Chronicles 6:41. Both this and Psalms 63., have been understood as composed in the wilderness, though some would refer this to the rebellion of Absalom, because Psalms 62:3-4 seem to indicate a conspiracy.

Psalms 62:2 ; Psalms 62:6. He only is my rock. Princes trusted in armies and fortresses, David only in the Lord. Therefore his confidence was like the rock on which he reposed.

Psalms 62:9. Men of low degree and men of high degree. Hebrews Adam, a common man; and Ish, a prince. See on Psalms 1:1.

REFLECTIONS.

How happy is a man in covenant with God. In the time of trouble he has a glorious rock, a high throne for a sanctuary; an arm of defence for his salvation.

Flying to this refuge, he can laugh at the feeble malice of all his foes, and augur their destruction. They are like a bended and tottering wall, while the Lord is the strong tower of the faithful.

The upright man does not trust in men, for they will always consult their interest or their ease: they are vanity in their nature, and deceitful in their character.

The wicked must be warned, not to trust in wealth acquired by robbery, or booty in war, and think to establish their houses in preferment and honour. God has spoken once, yea twice, that power belongs to him, and he will render to men according to their works. Wealth acquired by war is apt to corrode and vanish away.

Psalms 62:1-12

1 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence;a 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.b 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 altogetherc 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 powerd belongeth unto God.

12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.