Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Psalms Chapter 62 mean?

This psalm reiterates the idea of confidence in God: that He alone is a perfect anchor point for trust and faith. No particular event in David’s life is tied to this song. The song is connected to the name Jeduthun, possibly the title of a melody. Psalms 39 and 77 also mention Jeduthun. This was also the name of a musician active in the temple during David’s life (1 Chronicles 16:41–42).

Rather than being agitated, or enraged, David can be calm and spiritually relaxed, because of his trust in God. David compares the Lord to a “rock:” a symbol of perfect strength and stability (Luke 6:48). Relying on other sources of power is an uncertain risk. Because David ties his confidence to God, he expects not to be disappointed (Psalm 62:1–2).

David’s enemies use lies and other attacks against him. They may seek to remove him from the throne, or simply to ruin his life and reputation. These men strike the way someone might smash into a leaning wall or a toppling fence. If the structure is weak, such attacks can destroy the defenses and leave an area open for attack. David’s enemies are also two-faced, saying positive things while planning evil (Psalm 62:3–4).

Because he knows the Lord is unchanging, all-powerful, and trustworthy, David calls on others to imitate his faith. This stanza repeats descriptions of God as a stable, immovable foundation. David also reiterates that God is the source of his confidence. He encourages sincere, unreserved faith in the Lord, who acts in the best interests of His people (Psalm 62:5–8).

The psalm ends with contrast. Where God is perfectly stable and powerful, human beings and our schemes are powerless. Whether rich or poor, the influence of human lives is literally nothing next to the supremacy of the Lord. Overdependence on wealth is foolish (Luke 12:20), as is trust in human plotting (Psalm 62:9–10).

David ends by insisting that ultimate power belongs only to God. This gives the Lord both power and authority to judge all people for their choices (Revelation 20:12–13). Thankfully, God also exhibits enduring, merciful love for those who follow Him (John 3:16–18). David’s relaxed confidence comes from his trust that God sees and judges all things

Chapter Context
No specific event is associated with this psalm. It may relate to David’s time as a fugitive from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2). It is most likely a general expression of David’s faith in God’s provision. Other psalms echo these themes of unjust attackers (Psalm 38:19) and God’s overwhelming power (Psalm 63:2; 147:5).

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. For God alone my soul waits in silence;from him comes my salvation.

David testifies that his trust is only in God; there is no greater source of safety or confidence (Psalm 62:2). The same is true of salvation, which is found only in the Lord (Psalm 3:8; 146:3–5). David anticipates deliverance from his enemies because God is capable. This assurance isn’t grounded in David’s own ability, or the strength of his allies. He places all his reliance on the Lord (Psalm 31:14; 71:5). This sentiment is repeated in a later verse (Psalm 62:5)

Deliverance from sin and condemnation comes only from God. As the apostle Peter told the Sanhedrin, “There is salvation in no one else [except Jesus], for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus rightly claimed to be the only way to God. He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Salvation requires faith and cannot be obtained by good deeds or rituals (Ephesians 2:1–10).

This psalm is one of three attached to the title “Jeduthun,” which may have been the name of a melody (Psalm 39:1; 77:1). It may also be a form of dedication, as Jeduthun was the name of a temple musician during David’s life (1 Chronicles 16:41–42). Alternatively, the word might be meant literally, as it comes from a root word meaning “to confess.”

Context Summary
Psalm 62:1–4 contrasts God with the foes of His people. David’s confidence is expressed in quiet, assured trust in the Lord. Evil people may lie, attack, and curse, but David will turn only to God as his source of safety.

Verse 2. He alone is my rock and my salvation,my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Ancient castles were made of stone, and modern bunkers are made of concrete and other rocky substances. Even in modern construction, a foundation of solid rock is the standard of security and stability. Jesus used this metaphor in one of His more well-known teachings (Luke 6:48). David’s words in this verse highlight this theme of trust in the Lord as a perfect, unchanging, immovable foundation of faith. Rather than raging in anger or wailing in despair, David’s faith in God allows him to be at peace (Psalm 62:1), expecting the Lord to act at the appropriate time (Psalm 62:5).

In Psalm 27:1 David writes, “The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Even when faced with physical danger, he was assured of the Lord’s goodness (Psalm 27:3). Because God is with the believer every step of life’s journey (Hebrews 13:5), the believer can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).

This sentiment is repeated almost identically later in this song (Psalm 62:6).

Verse 3. How long will all of you attack a manto batter him,like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

David trusted in God for strength (Psalms 62:1–2). David’s enemies, however, perceived him as weak and vulnerable. Walls and fences are meant to be upright. When they lean, it’s a sign of collapse or weakness. Smashing into a straight, solid wall is rarely a good idea. When that wall is tilted, however, a heavy blow might be enough to knock it over. The same is true of a fence; when the posts start to tip over, it’s no longer solidly fixed in the ground. David’s enemies believe they can defeat him, like men who attack a weakened wall hoping to bring it down (Psalm 62:4). This can imply either physical attacks or lies and slander meant to ruin David’s reputation.

At times a believer may feel insecure, weak, and vulnerable. Yet God’s people can trust in the omnipotent Lord for strength and security. The apostle Paul trusted in the Lord during hard times as well as in good times. He testified, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). In his first letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells them they are involved in spiritual warfare, and he exhorts them to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).

Verse 4. They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.They take pleasure in falsehood.They bless with their mouths,but inwardly they curse. Selah

Enemies attack David hoping to knock him down, the way someone might launch against a leaning wall (Psalm 62:3). A weakened wall can topple if pushed; leaning fences can be tipped over. In the same way, a weak ruler can be taken down from his throne by persistent attacks. However, David is not weak—he relies on the Lord God for his power (Psalm 62:1–2). Earlier, David noted that his confidence in God allowed him to be still and silent, rather than anxious. These opponents apply lies and verbal attacks. They may say positive things, but in their hearts, they wish David harm.

When Jesus Christ ministered on earth, wicked men attacked Him and said evil things about Him. The scribes and Pharisees were jealous of the following He received (Matthew 27:18); they plotted to destroy Him (Matthew 26:3–5; Mark 3:6; 12:13). Eventually, one of His own disciples betrayed Him and sold Him to His enemies (Matthew 26:14–16; Luke 22:2–6). At His trial, religious leaders hired liars to testify against Him (Matthew 26:59–68). The people became hostile to Him (Matthew 27:15–23; Luke 23:13–25; John 19:12–16). Even in the end times, when Jesus rules on earth with perfect justice, nations will eventually rebel against Him (Revelation 20:7–15). Psalm 2:2–9 can be applied to the results of that uprising. God will laugh at the attempt (Psalm 2:4), and Jesus the Messiah will “break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel” (Psalm 2:9).

The word selah likely implies a pause. This may mean a break in music, or in singing, or a moment of reflection.

Verse 5. For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,for my hope is from him.

This repeats the theme of verse 1, using different words. Where the first expression was a statement of fact, this is a reminder or command for David’s own spirit. The next verse continues the near-repetition by echoing the message of verse 2 (Psalm 62:2). That David is “silent” implies stillness and calm, rather than a literal absence of noise. Because of his confidence, David does not feel the need for rage or panic. He simply trusts that the Lord will act. As a man often engaged in war, David was often forced to trust God for rescue from an enemy, and God always answered his hope.

Believers of the New Testament era have a similar hope, placed in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. In Romans 5:2 Paul writes: “We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Believers look for the ultimate deliverance from their trials. It will come in fullness with the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21—22). Believers will have glorified bodies and live forever with God, free from the grip of sin, persecution, physical distress, and temptation. Paul refers to Jesus’ return as “our blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).

Context Summary
Psalm 62:5–8 demonstrates David’s confidence in God to answer prayer. David identifies God as his source of confidence and assurance. This begins by repeating the same ideas seen in the opening lines of the psalm (Psalm 62:1–2), in slightly different words. By repeating metaphors such as “rock,” David emphasizes the unshakable nature of his deep faith. He encourages others to make the same choice: trusting the Lord with sincerity.

Verse 6. He only is my rock and my salvation,my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

This verse resembles an earlier statement in the song (Psalm 62:2). Both use terms emphasizing the unshakable, firm, steady, reliable nature of God as an anchor point for faith. The most secure foundation for any building is solid rock which cannot be washed away or easily broken. Faith in God is the same: it means trust in the unchanging and omnipotent Creator (Psalm 27:1, 3; Hebrews 13:5–6). Jesus used this “rock” analogy when teaching about the wisdom of trusting in God, rather than other ideas (Luke 6:48).

In the prior comment, David denied that he could be “greatly” shaken. Here, he implies that he won’t be shaken at all. This adds a sense of ever-growing calm to his words. The more a believer meditates on the fact that he is secure in Christ, the calmer he will be in the face of difficult circumstances. Jesus said no one can tear believers from His grasp (John 10:28–30). The apostle Paul reminded Colossian believers to focus on the Lord, since He was the source of their great and sure hope (Colossians 3:2). He further explains, “for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Verse 7. On God rests my salvation and my glory;my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

This psalm frequently repeats the metaphor of God as a “rock.” The implication is that of safety and security. Anchoring a structure to solid rock gives it the best possible foundation (Luke 6:48). Fortresses—both in the ancient world and more recently—are frequently built on rocky terrain and composed of rock-like materials. Thick stone walls radiate a sense of power and security, far more than wood or soil. God can keep David completely safe from his enemies, so David can experience calm in the face of danger (Psalm 62:1–2, 5–6).

Further, David calls attention to the Lord’s power, calling God “mighty.” David places all his trust for salvation in the Lord alone. In the same way, David relies on God to guide whatever will happen in his life. His “glory”—David’s success and accomplishments—are grounded in his relationship with God.

A key teaching of Scripture is that salvation is anchored in God alone. No person can earn their way into heaven by adding up good deeds or avoiding bad ones (Ephesians 2:1–10). Attaining eternity with the Lord (Romans 6:23) happens only when a person humbly, submissively depends on God’s faithfulness, rather than on their own efforts (Titus 3:5). Further, whatever credit there might be for a believer’s success should be credited to the God who made it possible. Colossians 3:4 promises: “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” God deserves all the credit for the believer’s salvation and glory.

Verse 8. Trust in him at all times, O people;pour out your heart before him;God is a refuge for us. Selah

David calls on all of Israel—the “people”—and by extension the entire world (Psalm 33:8; 49:1) to follow his example. David relies utterly on God, even when under attack from evil men (Psalm 62:1–4). The Lord is his source of calm and confidence (Psalm 62:5–7). In the same way, others ought to be entirely sincere in their trust of God, holding nothing back. The Hebrew phrase translated as “pour out your heart” implies total surrender to the Lord with one’s deepest, most inner self. This implies transparency before a God who already knows our hearts better than we do (Hebrews 4:13; Romans 8:26).

Too often, we only pray when trouble strikes, but it is not sufficient to turn to God only when times are challenging. Trust in God should be consistent, in good and troublesome circumstances, in times of plenty and those of need. First Thessalonians 5:17–18 exhorts believers to pray without ceasing and to give thanks in all circumstances.

Verse 9. Those of low estate are but a breath;those of high estate are a delusion;in the balances they go up;they are together lighter than a breath.

David has been describing God using terms implying stability, reliability, and power (Psalm 62:6–8). Here, he draws a contrast to human lives, which are all limited and temporary. Human wealth is meaningless from an eternal perspective. Though David uses different phrases for the rich and the poor, both statements apply to all humans. Life is brief (James 4:14). What looks like power and influence is, ultimately, a short-lived illusion (Psalm 49:10; Luke 12:20). Comparing human power and importance to that of God is like measuring weights on scale against a breath of air.

In view of the brevity of life, James exhorts readers to live every day according to the will of God (James 4:15). Job painfully understood that life is brief and uncertain. He observed, without David’s optimism, that his days would pass quickly and with little to show for their passing (Job 7:6–7). The point of David’s comment here is to set up the warning of the next verse (Psalm 62:10).

Context Summary
Psalm 62:9–12 closes this song with a contrast. Prior verses highlighted the sure, eternal, unshakable nature of the Lord God. This passage emphasizes human mortality and the futility of defying His will. God possesses power, loyal love, and the prerogative to judge every man through His perfect understanding.

Verse 10. Put no trust in extortion;set no vain hopes on robbery;if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

In this psalm, David has depicted God using terms of stability and permanence (Psalm 62:1–2). He expresses his ability to remain confident and calm because the Lord is perfectly reliable (Psalm 62:6–7). Even when evil men lie and attack (Psalm 62:3–4) this trust is still well placed. In the prior verse, David contrasted the limited nature of men with the divine and eternal power of God (Psalm 62:9). Those who think they can rely on sinful schemes or material wealth are fooling themselves (Proverbs 11:4).

David’s enemies may have been accustomed to obtaining wealth by immoral means. They forced people to give them money. They set ambushes to rob unsuspecting travelers. Not all money comes dishonestly, of course: some earn their riches honestly. Even that is temporary (James 4:14–15).

Jesus provided several examples of those who put too much emphasis on material wealth. One was a parable where a man assumed his stockpiled wealth would make him happy, only to die and leave it all behind (Luke 12:20). Another was when a man asked Jesus how to obtain eternal life. When Jesus told that man to give up his immense wealth, the man instead walked away in sorrow (Luke 18:18–23). Knowing how strong the temptation is to become rich, Paul writes to Timothy: “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9).

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

Several passages in the Bible use a “counting up” technique to emphasize a point (Amos 1:3; Proverbs 6:16; 30:15, 18; Isaiah 17:6; Ecclesiastes 11:2). This verse includes a Hebrew figure of speech (Job 33:14) that implies something common, or sure: a statement which can be reliably credited to God. Here, the declaration is that God, alone, has ultimate power. Others may have temporary lives and limited wealth (Psalm 62:9–10) but only God is eternal and absolute (Psalm 62:5–7).

David’s faith in God’s power allowed him to remain calm in the face of dangers (Psalm 62:1–2). Believers today can count on the Lord’s capacity to save everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). He also has the power to hold the universe together (Hebrews 1:3), to destroy the devil (Hebrews 2:14), to save entirely those who come to Him through Jesus (Hebrews 7:25), to answer prayer (Philippians 4:6–7), to “do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20), and to empower believers to live righteous lives (Jude 1:24).

Verse 12. and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.For you will render to a manaccording to his work.

David has already noted that lasting and eternal power belongs only to God (Psalm 62:5–7, 11). Now the song attributes unchanging love and perfect justice to the Lord. This verse uses the important Hebrew root word checed, often translated as “lovingkindess,” “unfailing love,” or “steadfast love.” The word implies an assured, steady benevolence rooted in God’s unchanging and perfect nature. Key to this concept is the idea of mercy: God applying love rather than wrath.

This kind of love never ends or gives up (John 13:1). Jesus loved His disciples to the very end of His earthly ministry. His disciples were not always loving or loyal. Sometimes they argued about who would be most prominent in Jesus’ kingdom (Luke 22:24–27). Sometimes they failed to accept what Jesus predicted about His rejection and sufferings (Matthew 16:21–23). Peter would deny Him three times (Matthew 26:69–75). Nevertheless, Jesus continued to love them with a self-sacrificing kind of love. Divine love never leaves those who put their faith in Christ. Paul assured the believers at Rome that nothing can separate believers from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39). The apostle John marveled at such love. He writes: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1).

David also gives a final reminder that God exhibits perfect justice. Salvation allows the believer to be forgiven of sin (Romans 6:23). Yet God also knows all our secret thoughts, words, and actions (Hebrews 4:13). Believer and unbeliever, alike, are subject to God’s scrutiny (1 Corinthians 3:12–15; Revelation 20:12–13), and only those in Christ will be spared from eternal separation (John 3:36).

End of Psalm 62

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