Psalms 62

Psalms 62:1

Psalm 62: God Alone!The message of Psalm 62 is that God is the only true refuge. The repetition of the words only and alone emphasize His exclusive right to our full and undivided trust. Among the many beautiful ways in which He is presented are: the source of our salvation (vv. 1b, 2a, 6a, 7a) our rock (vv. 2a, 6a, 7b) our defense (vv. 2c, 6c) the basis of our expectation (v. 5b) our glory (v. 7a) our refuge (vv. 7b, 8b) the source of power (v. 11b) the fountain of mercy (v. 12a) Anyone who makes God the ground of his confidence and strength has the following confidences: he shall not be greatly moved (v. 2b) he has boldness to rebuke his enemies (v. 3) he can see through their plans and strategies (v. 4) he shall not be moved (v. 6b) he will want others to know the joy of trusting God (v. 8) There are five other objects in which people often trust, but such trust is sure to be disappointed. (1) Men of low degree, that is, common people, are as substantial and transitory as a vapor. (2) Men of high degree, whether rulers or wealthy people, are a delusion in that they seem to offer help and security but they are not dependable. Put the rabble or the elite in the scales and they are weightless as far as trustworthiness is concerned. (3) Oppression is a foolish method to depend on; “it reeks with God’s curse.” (4) Robbery might seem to be a quick route to power and wealth, but ill-gotten gain is doomed to the judgment of God. (5) Even riches gained through honest industry should never take the Lord’s place in our affections and service. F. B. Meyer wrote: “How often have we looked for help from men and money in vainbut God has never failed us.” It seems probable that this Psalm was inspired by Absalom’s rebellion. The rebels were out to shatter David as if he were a leaning wall and a tottering fence. Their goal was to cast him down from his high position, that is, from his throne. While pretending loyalty, they were plotting treachery. The fugitive king urges his loyal subjects to maintain their unwavering confidence in the Lord. His enemies were trusting in men and in money, but there was no salvation in either of these. His own trust was in the Lord. Repeatedly the Lord had assured him that He is the fountainhead of power and love; that His power is used to deliver the faithful and to punish the foes; that His love is used to comfort and bless His people. He will see that justice is meted out to all who refuse His grace. John Donne’s comment on the Psalm is memorable: He is my rock, and my salvation, and my defense, and my refuge and my glory. If my refuge, what enemy can pursue me? If my defense, what temptation shall wound me? If my rock, what storm shall shake me? If my salvation, what melancholy shall deject me? If my glory, what calumny shall defame me?