Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 62

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

In these royal prayers, the psalmist longs for God’s presence. All three psalms concern themselves with the king’s security.

This psalm expresses trust in the king and includes a prayer for him. The king relies on God even during tough times.

His tricky and strong enemies challenge him, but he stays strong. He urges himself and his people to trust God.

He wants them to view their human enemies from God's perspective, where they seem weak, temporary, and deceitful (Psalm 62:9).

See 1 Chronicles 25:1; also in Psalms 39 and 77.

The enemies want to overthrow the king using lies and tricks.

his lofty perch: This means the royal throne.

The psalmist encourages himself and others to place their hope in God.

Humans are temporary, unlike God. Even when successful, their prosperity does not last long.

are but a lie: People often try to appear stronger and better than they truly are.

Extortion involves using threats to force someone to give up their belongings. Stealing means taking what belongs to someone else.

Only God balances power and loving devotion. He cares for his people by removing those who do evil from the world (see Psalm 1:6).