Psalm 62 explained: Quiet Trust When Others Attack

Rest in God alone (vv. 1-2)

The opening word can mean both "truly" and "only," and the line can also be read as the writer waiting on God in silence, trusting God and nothing else. A rock and a fortress were the safest places to shelter in war, so these images picture God as the one protection that will not give way.

Enemies who smile and plot (vv. 3-4)

The writer, traditionally David, is being ganged up on by people who want to knock him from his place of honor, praising him to his face while cursing him in private. The leaning wall and tottering fence may describe how fragile he feels, or how close his attackers are to collapse; scholars read it both ways.

Talking to his own soul (vv. 5-7)

He repeats his opening words as a reminder to himself, and where he first said he would not be badly shaken, the Hebrew now says he will not be shaken at all, as if his confidence has grown. His honor, which his enemies tried to tear down, now rests on God rather than on what others say.

An invitation to everyone (v. 8)

He turns from his own story and urges others to trust God the same way. The picture of pouring out the heart means saying everything honestly, holding nothing back.

People and riches weigh nothing (vv. 9-10)

Put on an ancient balance scale, ordinary people and important people alike would weigh less than a breath, so no human, high or low, is solid enough to lean on. Wealth gained by force or theft is empty, and even honestly growing wealth should not capture the heart.

Power and faithful love (vv. 11-12)

The "one, then two" pattern is a Hebrew way of saying something is certain and settled. The writer's lesson is that God has both strength and steady love, and repays each person for what they have done.

Key verse: Psalm 62:1

Something to think about

When life feels unsteady, what do you tend to lean on, and how well has it held your weight?