English Basic Explanation - Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Psalm 62 does not appear to refer to any particular event or situation, and instead speaks in general philosophical terms of the concept of faith and trust in God.  David expresses here his firm conviction that one should place his trust only in God, and not in any man.  Numerous times throughout this chapter he uses the word "Ach" ("only") in reference to God's ability to provide protection, emphasizing that man has no other guaranteed source of safety.  He ridicules those who look to other men for assistance and employ false flattery and disingenuous adulation to earn their goodwill and support (verse 5).  Rather than enlisting the help and support of seemingly powerful human beings, we are better advised to place our trust in God and pray to Him in times of need (verse 9).

In verse 11, David illustrates his message by depicting a scale with human beings on one end and "Hevel," vanity and futility, on the other.  David asserts that the two sides of the scale would be equal.  Placing one's trust in another human being, rather than turning to God, is equivalent to placing one's trust in foolishness and nonsense.  David therefore bids us (in verse 11) to pay no attention to superficial qualities such as power and wealth as sources of success, as they are nothing more than "Hevel" in comparison to the Almighty.

People in desperation are often prepared to resort to criminal activity such as theft and extortion (verse 11) as means of extricating themselves from the crises they confront.  David's message here is that this tendency results from a lack of faith in the Almighty's power to rescue and support.  If a person truly believes that, as David declares in this Psalm's final verse, God "repays each man in accordance with his conduct," then he would never resort to unlawful tactics during times of need.  He would instead appeal to the Almighty for salvation and trust in the assistance God extends to His loyal servants.