Psalm 62 Study

Psalm 62 Study

Introduction

In the political arena the candidate’s immediate response to attack is to gather votes of support. Party loyalty is advocated or influential people pursued. Likewise, nations, when threatened, create “nonagression pacts” and seek to restore some balance of power by surrounding themselves with allies. When professional athletic teams are “in the cellar,” the solution is to trade or buy players so that weak positions can be strengthened. A failing business may need new management or a new infusion of capital. The point to all these illustrations is that when the “crunch” comes we instinctively seek to shore up our position. Where can we find support? New votes? Extra funds? Donald Williams and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Psalms 1–72, vol. 13, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1986), 450.

We are not sure of the exact circumstances behind this psalm. We do know however that someone is under attack and it has probably gone on for some time.

A work of deception is a play here! The goal trying to be reached is to remove hime from his HIGH POSITION. His enemies CHARADE as if they are consulting with him. Lies and tricks are their true actions.

So, when position have no lasting meaning nor does riches obtained by thievery, where can one find security??? The Psalmist says, “wait upon the Lord.”

Many have described this Psalm as a stand alone Psalm of confidence. Traditions says this is a Psalm of David.

Here is the lay of the land concerning this Psalm:

(vv1-2) Security found in God.

(vv.3-4) Violence found in people.

(vv.5-8) Security found in God & trust Him.

(vv.9-10) The short nature of life.

(vv.11-12) Prayer concerning true power and mercy.

(vv1-2) Security found in God.

This meditation begins with a sense of serenity.

It could be said, “Alone unto God in silence is my soul.”

Throughout the psalm the foolishness of trusting in men in comparison with God is maintained. [Donald Williams and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Psalms 1–72, vol. 13, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1986), 451.]

When you see the stress of “silence” in verses 1 & 5, you learn it’s value; the Lord speaks in the silent moments.

This is not mindless Eastern meditation, but rather an attitude of being open and receptive, expecting God to speak in the silence. [Donald Williams and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Psalms 1–72, vol. 13, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1986), 451.]

“From him cometh my salvation”

What kind of message does silence speak to you and to God?

ANS — Expresses your openness and dependence to Him.

You may wonder why I sometimes allow people to be on the altar alone. If they needed me, they would come to me. If they bypass me, I must be silent when God is speaking plainly enough to them.

(v2) Expounds on “salvation” found in God alone.

It is HIS EXCLUSIVE GIFT.

Psalm 61:2 “2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Speaks of protection and deliverance!

“Defense” = high place or fortress.

Here is your conclusion: “I shall not be greatly moved.”

Some movement, probably; MUCH MOVEMENT, NO!

Thus as David sits silently before God his mind is not emptied. Rather, it is filled with thoughts of God as salvation, as rock, as fortress, as stability, as the firm foundation for his life. Donald Williams and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Psalms 1–72, vol. 13, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1986), 452.

(vv.3-4) Violence found in people.

David now contrasts his security in God with the insecurity of life in this world. Someone is under attack. Pretending to consult with him, his enemies really intend to destroy him. [Donald Williams and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Psalms 1–72, vol. 13, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1986), 452.]

Verse 3 begins with a question: “How long will ye imagine mischief against man?”

“Mischief” = to attack with speech

“Ye shall be slain all of you” = to continue with this contact will result in your execution. (JUDGEMENT)

“bowing wall” & “tottering fence”

Referring to the one being attacked.

This person has been shaken by those seeking his death.

Verse 4

We call these kind of people 2 faced and back-stabbers.

The only thing they want to keep alive is their desires, paradigm, et.

(vv.5-8) Security found in God & trust Him.

VERSE 5

David is simply repeating what he said of the beginning as an added address to his own soul.

Not only does his salvation come from God, but his EXPECTATION (hope) is in God.

hope (feeling) n. — the general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled.

This stems from one’s STATE OR CONDITION.

VERSE 6

Restating verse 2, but further stating that his SECURITY is COMPLETE; “I shall not be moved.”

VERSE 7

“My glory” = honor; stems from one’s reputation.

In other words, “I don’t care how others translate my life, my life’s pattern (reputation) is settled in God’s mind because I have followed Him fully.”

“rock of my strength” = God is my steadfastness.

“refuge” = God is my hiding place or shelter.

VERSE 8 (PICK UP FROM HERE)

Notice the evidence of a King who is faithful to meditates and prays for His people.

“Pour out your heart” = denotes the expression of an emotion.

Meaning to express your true self in openness and vulnerability before God.

One benefit of truly believing you are secure in God, is the freedom to expose ourselves in such a vulnerable way.

Healing comes when all the pain and hurt is given to God with honest praying.

Praying this way is not us running away from the pain, but allowing Him to heal us from the pain.

David follows with, “God is a refuge for US.”

Quote: God is our rock and therefore we can hide in Him. When our souls have been poured out before Him, when we are the most vulnerable, He is there to embrace us in His love and hold us to His heart. Donald Williams and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Psalms 1–72, vol. 13, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1986), 454.

(vv.9-10) The short nature of life.

To put it simply, whether of high social status or common status, all are ‘vanity’ (breath) when put to the scales.

James 4:14 “14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

What or who actually brings weight to the scales of life?

I guess you have to ask the question, ‘who’s scales are more important?’

David is speaking to how God determines weight or value.

So, it is not determined by what you have gained by the world’s standards, but WHO YOU HAVE BECOME through God above.

Jesus Christ has come so we might be CREATED NEW!

John 3:5-8 “5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

VERSE 10

Some have went to stealing in order to have greater security.

This is a faulty foundation and will crumble.

David is telling us that only a heart set on God will truly last!

Just by having more does not equal having more security.

(vv.11-12) Prayer concerning true power and mercy.

VERSE 11

Here is a stark difference between the ONE TRUE GOD and idols: GOD HATH SPOKEN!

“Power belongeth unto God”

Speaking of having the attribute of being physically and mentally strong.

We see this is His powerful deeds throughout scripture, around us every day, and especially in us while enduring life’s difficulties.

VERSE 12

Quote: God rewards the works of humankind, not as the basis of His mercy, however, but as the consequence of His mercy. Donald Williams and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Psalms 1–72, vol. 13, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1986), 456.

Ephesians 2:10 “10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Conclusion

In the silence, then, without gathering allies or friends, David receives what he needs. As he puts it, from God comes his “salvation.” Now he continues to listen to God in the confidence of divine security, and God speaks. He says, in effect, that when people attack and deceive and when oppression and robbery tempt, we are to remember that power is His. God is not only David’s rock of defense against his foes, He is also his strength and power for battle with them. All of this comes to David from God’s mercy because he waits for Him.

Can this also happen to us? Step into the laboratory: “My soul, wait silently for God alone.” Donald Williams and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Psalms 1–72, vol. 13, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1986), 456.