David
Psalm 62
To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.
Scripture (KJV)
1Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Summary
Psalm 62 is a quiet, sturdy psalm of rest. David speaks to his own soul, commanding it to wait on God alone, and confesses that God only is his rock, salvation, defense, and refuge. The repetition is deliberate: in verse 2 he says "I shall not be greatly moved," and by verse 6, simply "I shall not be moved"—faith settling deeper. He then invites others into the same rest: "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us." The closing verses hold power and mercy together—both belong to God, who renders to each according to his work.
The major themes are rest, trust, God as rock, refuge, and the pairing of God’s power with His mercy. The psalm is addressed to Jeduthun, a worship leader, suggesting it was used in gathered worship. Practically, it teaches the discipline of speaking truth to one’s own soul and the freedom of pouring out the heart before a trustworthy God. The great lesson is that the soul finds its rest only in God.
Key Themes
A Prayer from Psalm 62
My soul, wait only upon God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength and my refuge is in God. Help me trust in You at all times and pour out my heart before You, for You are a refuge for me. Let me hear what You have spoken: that power belongs to You, and mercy also. Render to me not according to my work but according to Your mercy in Christ. Quiet my restless soul until it rests in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- 1What am I tempted to rest in besides God alone?
- 2How can I "pour out my heart" before Him today?
- 3What does it mean that both power and mercy belong to God?
- 4Where do I need to move from "not greatly moved" to "not moved"?
Related Psalms
Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
The beloved shepherd psalm: provision, guidance, comfort, and eternal dwelling.
Read morePsalm 27
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Courage from seeking God’s presence and waiting patiently on Him.
Read morePsalm 46
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
God our refuge amid chaos; be still and know that He is God.
Read morePsalm 91
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
God our refuge and fortress; under His wings we find protection and deliverance.
Read morePsalm 121
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”
Psalm 121 is one of the "Songs of Ascents" sung by pilgrims journeying up to Jerusalem.
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