Intro
At the heart of the Bible, in the Book that probably most succeeds in instilling deep knowledge in the simple of heart, resounds a song of trust and hope: Psalm 62. This psalm, attributed to King David, invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of faith, on our relationship with the Father, with GOD, the only pure source of lasting inner tranquility. In the words of this ancient canticle, we find a refuge for afflicted Souls and guidance for anyone seeking peace in a world that is always too turbulent. This Hymn teaches us to place our trust exclusively in GOD, thus to cast off anxiety and worry, to never rely on human strength or riches, but to find security and salvation in the Divine Presence.
Full TExt
1 Truly my soul silently waits for GOD; From Him comes my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, Like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast him down from his high position; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, But they curse inwardly. Selah
5 My soul, wait silently for GOD alone, For my expectation is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; 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, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; GOD is a refuge for us. Selah
9 Surely men of low degree are a vapor, Men of high degree are a lie; If they are weighed on the scales, They are altogether lighter than vapor.
10 Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them.
11 GOD has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to GOD.
12 Also to You, O LORD, belongs mercy; For You render to each one according to his work.
Textual Analysis and commentary
62, 1-2
Psalm 62:1
Truly my soul finds rest in GOD; my salvation comes from him.
Psalm 62:2
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
| Verse Identifier | Verse in English (KJV Bible) | Original Language | Transliteration | Literal Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psalm 62:1 | Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. | אך לאלהים דומיה נפשי ממנו ישועתי | Akh l’Elohim dumiyah nafshi mimenu yeshuati | Only in God my soul rests; from Him my salvation |
| Psalm 62:2 | Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. | אך הוא צורי וישועתי משגבי לא אמוט רבה | Akh hu tsuri v’yeshuati misgabi lo emot rabah | Only He is my rock and my salvation, my high refuge; I will never be shaken |
COMMENTARY
62:1-2
In the first verse of Psalm 62, the psalmist expresses absolute trust in GOD as the source of rest and salvation. The words “Only in GOD does my Soul find rest” suggest the profound state of tranquility that is achieved by surrendering completely to the divine will. This statement is a reminder to believers that Refuge is not found in earthly things, but in GOD, who is the only true source of peace.
In the second verse, the psalmist goes on to exalt GOD as his rock, salvation and refuge. The repetition of the word “only” (akh) emphasizes the uniqueness of GOD as impenetrable protection against adversity. Here, the psalmist recognizes that his security does not depend on his own strength or external circumstances, but solely on his faith in his Creator. This image of GOD as rock and refuge invokes the idea of stability and strength, offering believers a solid foundation on which to build their spiritual lives.
In a world characterized by uncertainty and instability, the words of the Psalm resonate with an invitation to root one’s trust in something Eternal and unchanging. So let us reflect on how we can apply this ancient wisdom to our daily lives-only we can do so, and no one can teach us but our own experience. Scripture reminds us that despite the storms we may face, our security and peace can be reached and grasped. In God we will never be shaken.
62, 2-3
Psalm 62:3
How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.
Psalm 62:4
They only consult to cast him down from his high position; they delight in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Sela.
| Verse Identifier | Verse in English | Original Language | Transliteration | Literal Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psalm 62:3 | How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, like a leaning wall and a tottering fence. | עד אנה תהותתו על איש תרצחו כלכם כקיר נטוי גדר הדחויה | Ad anah tahotetu al ish tertzachu kulchem kakir natui gader hadachuya | How long will you attack a man? You shall be slain, all of you, like a leaning wall and a tottering fence. |
| Psalm 62:4 | They only consult to cast him down from his high position; they delight in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Sela. | אך משאתו יועצו להדיחו מרומתו ירצו כזב פיהם יברכו ובקרבם יקללו סלה | Akh mis’ato yo’atsu lehadicho miromato yirtzu kazav pihem yevarchu uvkirbam yekalelu sela | They only consult to cast him down from his high position; they delight in lies; they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Sela. |
Commentary on Psalm 62:3-4
In these verses, the condition of the righteous man besieged by enemies who seek to overpower him is described. The image of the “leaning wall,” which has not been built correctly and has tilted, threatening to fall, and also of the “tottering fence,” representing the vulnerability and instability of the man in the face of repeated attacks. This visual reminder suggests that despite the efforts of the wicked to bring down the righteous man, there is an awareness of human fragility that must be entrusted to divine protection.
The psalm continues by describing the duplicity of the enemies, who “take delight in lies” and “bless with their mouth, but inwardly curse.” This hypocrisy, where words of blessing are accompanied by malicious intentions, highlights the falsehood and deceit that the righteous man must face.
Reflecting on these words, we recognize that even in our lives, in our era, we are often surrounded by such hypocrisy and falsehood. It underscores the importance of discerning between words and intentions, inviting us to seek the truth and to place our trust in GOD rather than in the empty words of men.
In a world where truth seems to be eclipsed by lies and deceit, the psalmist reminds us to keep our faith firmly in GOD, who is our rock and salvation. Only through unwavering faith can we withstand the attacks and snares of enemies, finding refuge in the safety of divine protection. This trust in GOD, despite adversities, allows us to face life’s challenges with an inner peace that the world cannot shake
62, 5-8
Psalm 62:5
My soul, wait silently for GOD alone, for my expectation is from Him.
Psalm 62:6
He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
Psalm 62:7
In GOD is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in GOD.
Psalm 62:8
Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; GOD is a refuge for us. Sela.
| Verse Identifier | Verse in English | Original Language | Transliteration | Literal Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psalm 62:5 | My soul, wait silently for GOD alone, for my expectation is from Him. | אך לאלהים דומיה נפשי כי ממנו תקותי | Akh l’Elohim dumiyah nafshi ki mimenu tikvati | Only for GOD my soul waits silently, for my hope is from Him. |
| Psalm 62:6 | He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. | אך הוא צורי וישועתי משגבי לא אמוט | Akh hu tsuri v’yeshuati misgabi lo emot | Only He is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. |
| Psalm 62:7 | In GOD is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in GOD. | על אלהים ישועתי וכבודי צור עזי מחסי באלהים | Al Elohim yeshuati v’khvodi tsur uzi machsi b’Elohim | In GOD is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in GOD. |
| Psalm 62:8 | Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; GOD is a refuge for us. Sela. | בטחו בו בכל עת עם שפכו לפניו לבבכם אלהים מחסה לנו סלה | Bitchu vo bechol et am shifchu lefanav levavchem Elohim machaseh lanu sela | Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; GOD is a refuge for us. Sela. |
Commentary on Psalm 62:5-8
In these verses, the psalmist reiterates the importance of true faith. Knowing how to wait silently, trusting that everything will go well, focusing on one’s own actions instead of others’, placing one’s hope only in GOD. All these elements of great strength allow the simple righteous to rise above the masses. The call to rest silently underscores the need for patience and trust in the timing managed solely by GOD. This trust is reinforced by the repeated affirmation that GOD is our rock, salvation, and refuge, highlighting His unwavering stability and protection.
“In GOD is my salvation and my glory,” so we are not only saved but elevated above others, not out of presumption, but through the value of our works, humbly among those who still refuse to understand. The image of GOD as the rock of strength and refuge further underscores the theme of protection, offering a sense of security that transcends human understanding.
The exhortation to “Trust in Him at all times” and to “pour out your heart before Him” invites the faithful to maintain a constant relationship with GOD, characterized by openness and honesty. The recognition of GOD as a refuge for His people assures us of His ever-present, eternal assistance and protection.
62, 9-12
Psalm 62:9
Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; if they are weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor.
Psalm 62:10
Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Psalm 62:11
GOD has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to GOD.
Psalm 62:12
Also to You, O LORD, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work.
| Verse Identifier | Verse in English (NKJV) | Original Language | Transliteration | Literal Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psalm 62:9 | Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; if they are weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor. | אך הבל בני אדם כזב בני איש במאזנים לעלות המה מהבל יחד | Akh hebel bnei adam kazav bnei ish b’moznayim la’alot hem mehebel yachad | Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; if they are weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor. |
| Psalm 62:10 | Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them. | אל תבטחו בעשק ובגזל אל תהבלו חיל כי ינוב אל תשיטו לב | Al tivtechu be’oshek uvegazel al tehavlu chayil ki yanov al tashitu lev | Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them. |
| Psalm 62:11 | GOD has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to GOD. | אחת דבר אלהים שתים זו שמעתי כי עז לאלהים | Achat diber Elohim shtayim zu shamati ki oz l’Elohim | GOD has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to GOD. |
| Psalm 62:12 | Also to You, O LORD, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work. | ולך־אדני חסד כי־אתה תשלם לאיש כמעשהו | V’lecha Adonai chesed ki ata teshalem l’ish kema’asehu | Also to You, O LORD, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to his work. |
Commentary on Psalm 62:9-12
In these verses, the fleeting and insubstantial nature of human beings is reflected upon. The comparison of men of low rank to a breath and men of high rank to a lie underscores how transient and deceptive human status and achievements are. This imagery suggests that human efforts and social positions are ultimately insignificant when measured against divine standards. In the Jewish tradition, this reflection invites us to recognize the fragility of the human condition and to place our trust not in earthly accomplishments but in the steadfastness and justice of GOD.
The admonition not to trust in oppression, not to place vain hopes in robbery, and not to set one’s heart on increasing riches serves as a warning against relying on unethical means and material wealth. Security and value are never found in worldly gains alone.
The expression “GOD has spoken once, twice I have heard this” can be interpreted in ways that emphasize the power and certainty of the divine message. When the psalmist states that he has heard the message twice, he may be emphasizing the importance and clarity of GOD’s word. Even if GOD speaks only once, the message resonates multiple times, underscoring its undeniable relevance. The repetition also serves as a confirmation of divine truth. In ancient Jewish culture, repeating a truth was a way to establish its certainty and reliability. Furthermore, some rabbinic traditions suggest that “once” represents GOD’s revelation to the prophets, while “twice” represents the dissemination of the message among the people. In this sense, GOD’s voice, spoken once, is heard twice: once by the prophets and once by the people who receive the message through them. These interpretations highlight the depth and richness of divine communication in the biblical text.
The final verse affirms that GOD is mercy; He will reward each one according to their deeds. This serves both as a comfort for recognized mistakes and as a reminder of divine justice, ensuring that every individual’s actions are assessed by GOD’s righteous judgment.
Reflecting on these verses, we understand the importance of maintaining an authentic faith, trusting in GOD’s timing, and living with integrity. Recognizing the fragility of human status and the supreme authority of GOD, we place our hope in His power and eternal mercy. This faith grants us enduring peace and security, superior to worldly successes. Trust in GOD, and not in vain earthly glories, for only in Him will you find true salvation and stability. Believe me, I write this for my children, and I would never lie to them or give them false illusions. It has happened to me, it has happened to many others, it has happened and will continue to happen.