Psalms 62 Overview
David repeatedly says his soul waits only upon God, rejects unstable human opposition and false confidence in riches, and concludes that power and mercy belong to God.
Before you read Psalms 62
Coming from
Psalm 61 centered on from the end of the earth to the shelter of god's presence. Psalms is an anthology rather than a continuous chronological story, so the connection here is canonical and thematic.
In this chapter
David repeatedly says his soul waits only upon God, rejects unstable human opposition and false confidence in riches, and concludes that power and mercy belong to God.
Leads into
Psalm 63 turns to longing for god in a dry wilderness, continuing the Psalter’s arranged movement without requiring that the two psalms describe consecutive historical events.
Key understandingExplore deeper
Psalm 62 belongs to Book II of the Psalter (Psalms 42–72). The repeated “only” or “alone” emphasis is the organizing idea: God, not status, wealth, or human power, is the secure refuge.
Major truths in this chapterExplore deeper
Central truth
Quiet confidence in God alone.
Trust truth
In Psalm 62, confidence in God rests on His character and rule, not on the absence of danger.
Wisdom truth
In Psalm 62, godly wisdom evaluates life by the LORD’s revealed moral order rather than by appearances alone.
Connections to the rest of ScriptureExplore deeper
Trust connection
Isaiah 26:3-4 likewise grounds steadfast peace in trusting the everlasting LORD. This connection helps frame Psalm 62.
Wisdom connection
James 1:5 directs those who lack wisdom to ask God, the giver of wisdom. This connection helps frame Psalm 62.
What is clear, and where care is neededExplore deeper
Keep trust in context
Trust in Psalm 62 is not a promise of immunity from suffering or death; it is confidence in God through the danger.
Keep wisdom in context
Do not turn a wisdom contrast in Psalm 62 into a mechanical formula that guarantees immediate earthly outcomes in every case.
Read Psalms 62 watching for…
wait only.
rock salvation defense.
men as bowing wall.
trust not oppression.
power and mercy.