The Bible — World English Bible

Psalm 62

In brief

Psalm 62 is a psalm of David given to the choir director. Surrounded by people trying to bring him down, he repeats that his soul rests in God alone, his rock, his salvation and his fortress. The refrain returns twice, like a prayer David says to himself. The psalm then urges the people to trust in God at all times and not to set their hope on violence, riches or appearances.

The chapter in 4 parts

  1. v. 1-2My soul rests in God, my rock
  2. v. 3-4The attacks and lies of the enemies
  3. v. 5-8The refrain of trust and refuge
  4. v. 9-12Do not put your hope in people or possessions

1My soul rests in God alone. My salvation is from him.

2He alone is my rock, my salvation, and my fortress. I will never be greatly shaken.

3How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down, like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?

4They fully intend to throw him down from his lofty place. They delight in lies. They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly.

5My soul, wait in silence for God alone, for my expectation is from him.

6He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress. I will not be shaken.

7My salvation and my honor is with God. The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

8Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us.

9Surely men of low degree are just a breath, and men of high degree are a lie. In the balances they will go up. They are together lighter than a breath.

10Don’t trust in oppression. Don’t become vain in robbery. If riches increase, don’t set your heart on them.

11God has spoken once; twice I have heard this, that power belongs to God.

12Also to you, Lord, belongs loving kindness, for you reward every man according to his work.

Key verses

Verse 1
My soul rests in God alone. My salvation is from him.

David affirms that salvation comes from God alone. The word alone at the start marks a conviction that stands against the restlessness of his enemies.

Verse 2
He alone is my rock, my salvation, and my fortress. I will never be greatly shaken.

Rock, salvation and fortress are three images of security: God is a stable place where we do not collapse.

Verse 5
My soul, wait in silence for God alone, for my expectation is from him.

David speaks to his own soul to bring it back to God. Hope is also built through this inner conversation.

Verse 6
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress. I will not be shaken.

The refrain returns almost word for word: saying trust again is a way of strengthening it.

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What the sermons say

Silence and Solitude: Hearing God When Everything Around You Is ShoutingIn this episode of the Réplica podcast, verse 5 serves as an example of practicing silence: trusting God by quieting the noise that smothers him, as Jesus did.Read the summary →20 Bible Verses About HopeVerse 5 is chosen among twenty verses about hope: surrounded by men who attack him, David brings his soul back to God, the only reliable source of his hope.Read the summary →

Frequently asked questions about Psalm 62

What does Psalm 62 mean?

Psalm 62 is a testimony of trust in the middle of attacks. David says again that God alone is his rock and salvation, and he invites others to do the same. He warns against leaning on violence or riches, which cannot give real security.

Who wrote Psalm 62?

The title presents it as a psalm of David, for the choir director and linked to Jeduthun, one of the temple singers. David is surrounded by people who want to overthrow him, which fits the episodes of betrayal and conspiracy in his reign.

How can I pray or meditate on Psalm 62?

Choose a quiet moment and read the psalm in a low voice. Repeat the refrain of verses 5 and 6 as words spoken to your soul, naming what worries you. Then leave a few minutes of silence before God, asking for nothing, to remember that he is your refuge.

Articles quoting Psalm 62

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World English Bible translation — public domain.