ScriptureDepth's study of Psalm 62
“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress. I will not be shaken.”
Psalms 62:6
The psalmist declares that God is his 'rock' and 'salvation', settling his firm trust in God alone amidst opposition and uncertainty.
What Psalm 62 is about
The psalmist expresses a deep rest in God alone, stating that ‘my salvation is from him’ (vv. 1-2). He describes feeling under assault from his opponents, who seek to undermine him like a ‘leaning wall’ or ‘tottering fence’ (vv. 3-4). The psalmist urges his soul to wait in silence for God, repeating that his strength and salvation come from God (vv. 5-7). He encourages people to trust God at all times and to pour out their hearts to him, declaring that ‘God is a refuge for us’ (vv. 8-10). The psalmist notes that human distinctions are fleeting, as men of low and high degree are ‘together lighter than a breath’ (vv. 9-10). He asserts that power belongs to God and that God’s loving kindness is given to those according to their actions (vv. 11-12).
God is a refuge, and he rewards each person based on their deeds.
Psalm 62 at a glance
- Psalm 62:1–2Resting in God Alone
- Psalm 62:3–4Assault from Opponents
- Psalm 62:5–7Waiting Silently for God
- Psalm 62:8–10Trust and Pour Out Hearts
- Psalm 62:11–12God's Power and Kindness
Key verse: Psalms 62:6
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Psalm 62 (WEB)
Resting in God Alone Psalm 62:1–2
1Verse 1. My soul rests in God alone.My salvation is from him.2Verse 2. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress—I will never be greatly shaken.
Assault from Opponents Psalm 62:3–4
3Verse 3. How long will you assault a man,would all of you throw him down,Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?4Verse 4. They fully intend to throw him down from his lofty place.They delight in lies.They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly.Selah.
Waiting Silently for God Psalm 62:5–7
5Verse 5. My soul, wait in silence for God alone,for my expectation is from him.6Verse 6. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress.I will not be shaken.7Verse 7. With God is my salvation and my honor.The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust and Pour Out Hearts Psalm 62:8–10
8Verse 8. Trust in him at all times, you people.Pour out your heart before him.God is a refuge for us.Selah.9Verse 9. Surely men of low degree are just a breath,and men of high degree are a lie.In the balances they will go up.They are together lighter than a breath.10Verse 10. Don’t trust in oppression.Don’t become vain in robbery.If riches increase,don’t set your heart on them.
God's Power and Kindness Psalm 62:11–12
11Verse 11. God has spoken once;twice I have heard this,that power belongs to God.12Verse 12. Also to you, Lord, belongs loving kindness,for you reward every man according to his work.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Psalm 62
Trust in God
In verses 1-2, the psalmist expresses resolute trust, declaring, 'My soul rests in God alone.' This trust is anchored in God's nature as a rock and fortress, implying stability amidst turmoil. The call to trust is reiterated in verse 8, where the community is urged to 'Trust in him at all times.' This movement underlines the necessity of unwavering reliance on God.
Divine refuge
Verses 5-7 articulate the theme of God as a refuge, stating, 'He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress.' Here, the psalmist finds safety and strength in God's presence, presenting God as a secure place amidst life's dangers. In verse 8, the declaration, 'God is a refuge for us,' invites others to seek this divine shelter, reinforcing the assurance found in God's protection.
Futility of human pursuits
In verses 9-10, the psalmist describes the fleeting nature of human worth, stating that 'men of low degree are just a breath, and men of high degree are a lie.' This comparison reveals the insubstantiality of both the lowly and the exalted. The warning against trusting in oppression and riches reveals the vanity of such reliance, illustrating the futility of human endeavors in the broader context of life.
God's power and mercy
Verses 11-12 declare God's ultimate authority and kindness, stating that 'Power belongs to God' and 'to you, Lord, belongs loving kindness.' These verses present God's sovereignty alongside His compassion. The statement about divine justice, where 'you reward every man according to his work,' affirms that God's power operates in alignment with His mercy, showing a consistent moral governance.
Chapter outline
How Psalm 62 unfolds
Psalm 62:1–2 Resting in God Alone
The psalmist states that 'My soul rests in God alone,' asserting that 'He alone is my rock and my salvation,' and declares he will 'never be greatly shaken' (vv. 1-2).
Psalm 62:3–4 Assault from Opponents
The psalmist questions his opponents, asking, 'How long will you assault a man?' and compares them to a 'leaning wall' and 'tottering fence,' revealing their intent to 'throw him down' (vv. 3-4).
Psalm 62:5–7 Waiting Silently for God
The psalmist instructs his soul to wait in silence for God, reiterating that his hope and expectation rely completely on God, who is his rock and salvation (vv. 5-7).
Psalm 62:8–10 Trust and Pour Out Hearts
The psalmist urges the people to 'Trust in him at all times' and to 'Pour out your heart before him,' while cautioning against trust in 'oppression' or 'riches' (vv. 8-10).
Psalm 62:11–12 God's Power and Kindness
The psalmist affirms that God alone possesses power and loving kindness, asserting that He rewards individuals according to their actions (vv. 11-12).
Key verses
Psalms 62:6The psalmist declares that God is his 'rock' and 'salvation', settling his firm trust in God alone amidst opposition and uncertainty.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Psalm 62
- observeIn v1, what does the psalmist mean by 'My soul rests in God alone'?
- observeIn v9, why does the psalmist describe men of low degree as 'just a breath'?
- interpretThe phrase 'I will never be greatly shaken' in v2: what conditions lead to this assurance?
- interpretIn v10, what does the warning against trusting in oppression suggest about societal values?
- applyWhen have you experienced waiting in silence for God as mentioned in v5?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalm 62
- Proverbs 3Psalm 62:8 and Proverbs 3:5Both encourage trust in God: Psalm 62:8 says to trust at all times, while Proverbs 3:5 instructs to trust with all your heart.
- Psalm 55Psalm 62:6 and Psalm 55:22Both affirm God's support: Psalm 62:6 declares God as a rock and fortress, while Psalm 55:22 promises sustaining care.
- Philippians 4Psalm 62:8 and Philippians 4:6Both call for trust in God: Psalm 62:8 urges trust at all times, while Philippians 4:6 encourages making requests known to God.
- Psalm 27Psalm 62:5 and Psalm 27:14Both stress waiting on God: Psalm 62:5 speaks of waiting in silence, while Psalm 27:14 commands to wait for Yahweh.
- Psalm 37Psalm 62:5 and Psalm 37:7Both emphasize resting in God: Psalm 62:5 tells of waiting in silence, while Psalm 37:7 instructs to rest and wait patiently.
- Isaiah 26Psalm 62:8 and Isaiah 26:4Both affirm trust in God: Psalm 62:8 urges trust at all times, while Isaiah 26:4 calls for trusting forever.
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