Psalms 62

Chapter Summary

The psalmist begins by expressing his trust in God, stating that his soul waits in silence for God alone (Psalms 62:1). He then warns against trusting in wealth or power, emphasizing that true strength comes from God (Psalms 62:9-10). The psalmist encourages the reader to wait patiently on God, trusting in His goodness and faithfulness (Psalms 62:5-6). He also reminds us that God is our rock and salvation, and that we should not trust in fleeting things (Psalms 62:2, 6). The chapter concludes with a call to trust in God, who is our only true hope and salvation.

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 62 is part of the third book of the Psalms, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in God during difficult times. The chapter is likely written by David, who was experiencing persecution and danger, and is encouraging the reader to trust in God's power and love. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative by emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God, which is a central theme throughout the Bible.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages us to trust in God, who is our rock and salvation. We should wait patiently on God, trusting in His goodness and faithfulness, and not trust in fleeting things. As we face difficult times, we should remember that God is our only true hope and salvation, and that He will give us the strength to trust in Him.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 62 is a chapter about trusting in God, who is our rock and salvation. The psalmist encourages us to wait patiently on God, trusting in His goodness and faithfulness, and not trust in fleeting things. As the psalmist says, "My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation" (Psalms 62:1). This means that we should trust in God, who is our only true hope and salvation, and not in human power or wealth.

Voices from the Church

“The psalmist's trust in God is a model for our trust in Christ, who is our only true hope and salvation. As Spurgeon says, "The Lord is our rock, our refuge, and our salvation; let us trust in Him, and not be afraid".”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist's emphasis on waiting patiently on God is a reminder that true strength comes from God, and not from human power or wealth. As Calvin says, "We must wait patiently on God, and not try to rush ahead of Him".”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Trust in God (Psalms 62:1-2) — The psalmist introduces the theme of trusting in God, emphasizing that his soul waits in silence for God only. This is seen in verses 1-2, where he says "My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken" (Psalms 62:1-2).
2. Warning Against Trusting in Wealth or Power (Psalms 62:9-10) — The psalmist warns against trusting in wealth or power, emphasizing that true strength comes from God. This is seen in verses 9-10, where he says "Do not trust in oppression, and do not vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them" (Psalms 62:10).
3. Encouragement to Wait Patiently on God (Psalms 62:5-6) — The psalmist encourages the reader to wait patiently on God, trusting in His goodness and faithfulness. This is seen in verses 5-6, where he says "My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken" (Psalms 62:5-6).
4. Conclusion: Trust in God (Psalms 62:11-12) — The psalmist concludes the chapter by encouraging the reader to trust in God, who is our rock and salvation. This is seen in verses 11-12, where he says "God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God, and lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord, for You recompense a man according to his work" (Psalms 62:11-12).
5. Final Thoughts on Trusting in God — The chapter concludes with a final emphasis on trusting in God, who is our only true hope and salvation. As the psalmist says, "My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation" (Psalms 62:1), so we should trust in God, who is our rock and salvation.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is our rock and salvation, and that He is sovereign over all things. As the psalmist says, "He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken" (Psalms 62:2).

The Importance of Faith

The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, who is our only true hope and salvation. As the psalmist says, "My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation" (Psalms 62:1).

The Danger of Idolatry

The psalmist warns against trusting in wealth or power, emphasizing that true strength comes from God. As he says, "Do not trust in oppression, and do not vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them" (Psalms 62:10).

The Reward of the Righteous

The chapter concludes with a reminder that God will reward the righteous, and that we should trust in Him. As the psalmist says, "God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God, and lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord, for You recompense a man according to his work" (Psalms 62:11-12).

Lessons from Psalms 62

1. The Importance of Trusting in God — This chapter teaches us the importance of trusting in God, who is our rock and salvation. As the psalmist says, "My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation" (Psalms 62:1).
2. The Danger of Idolatry — The psalmist warns against trusting in wealth or power, emphasizing that true strength comes from God. As he says, "Do not trust in oppression, and do not vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them" (Psalms 62:10).
3. The Reward of the Righteous — The chapter concludes with a reminder that God will reward the righteous, and that we should trust in Him. As the psalmist says, "God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God, and lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord, for You recompense a man according to his work" (Psalms 62:11-12).
4. The Importance of Waiting Patiently on God — The psalmist encourages the reader to wait patiently on God, trusting in His goodness and faithfulness. As he says, "My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken" (Psalms 62:5-6).
5. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches that God is our rock and salvation, and that He is sovereign over all things. As the psalmist says, "He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken" (Psalms 62:2).

Themes from Psalms 62

1. Trust in God — This chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, who is our rock and salvation. As the psalmist says, "My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation" (Psalms 62:1).
2. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is our rock and salvation, and that He is sovereign over all things. As the psalmist says, "He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken" (Psalms 62:2).
3. The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, who is our only true hope and salvation. As the psalmist says, "My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation" (Psalms 62:1).
4. The Danger of Idolatry — The psalmist warns against trusting in wealth or power, emphasizing that true strength comes from God. As he says, "Do not trust in oppression, and do not vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them" (Psalms 62:10).
5. The Reward of the Righteous — The chapter concludes with a reminder that God will reward the righteous, and that we should trust in Him. As the psalmist says, "God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God, and lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord, for You recompense a man according to his work" (Psalms 62:11-12).

Questions for Meditation

1. What does it mean to wait patiently on God, and how can we apply this to our lives?
2. How does the psalmist's trust in God encourage us to trust in Christ, who is our only true hope and salvation?
3. What are some ways that we can trust in God's power and love, rather than in human power or wealth?
4. How does the chapter's emphasis on trusting in God relate to the larger biblical narrative?
5. What are some practical ways that we can apply the principles of this chapter to our daily lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 62

	Sermon	Description
	Free to Do by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting God as the ultimate authority in our lives. He compares the disciplined self to an aviator who mu
	A Place to Hide by Jim Cymbala	Jim Cymbala emphasizes the priceless nature of God's unfailing love and the refuge it provides, likening God to a protective bird under whose wings we can find safety. He explains
	A Touch From God - Part 3 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and seeking His presence, highlighting the consequences of spiritual adultery and the need to come out from places of d
	The Judgment of God and the Great White Throne! by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's revelation and warns about the consequences of its removal. He highlights that on Judgment Day, all the knowledge an
	(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 1-10 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the spirit of God coming upon a person's life and anointing them. He highlights the significance of having a heart turned
	Be a Man - Part 1 by Ken Graves	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the theme of violence in stories and the battle between good and evil. He compares the portrayal of Jesus as a gentle figure to the reality o
	We Shall Not Be Moved by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that everything in the world is part of God's plan and is leading towards His glorification. He explains that everyone, not just preachers,
	Jude: Last Days - Balaam 1 by Martin Geehan	In this sermon, the pastor discusses the importance of love and compatibility in a marriage. He emphasizes the need for both partners to be born again and to deeply love each other
	Experiencing Jesus by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of receiving a text message from his son with a Bible verse that he had been contemplating preaching on. He emphasizes the
	Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 5 of 6 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for expansion and enlargement in the spiritual lives of believers. God uses tests and trials to bring about this growth and to fulfi

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 62

In his commentary on Psalms 62, Matthew Henry notes that the psalmist is emphasizing the importance of trusting in God, who is our rock and salvation. Henry writes, "The psalmist's trust in God is not a vague and general thing, but a particular and practical one; he trusts in Him for his salvation, and for his protection and preservation in the midst of danger and trouble." Henry also notes that the psalmist's warning against trusting in wealth or power is a reminder that true strength comes from God, and that we should not trust in fleeting things. As Henry says, "The riches of this world are but a shadow, a mere appearance of wealth, and they will soon fade away; but the riches of God's grace are substantial and lasting." Overall, Henry's commentary emphasizes the importance of trusting in God, who is our only true hope and salvation. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?