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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 62, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.] Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him {cometh} my salvation. {Truly: or, Only} {waiteth: Heb. is silent}
Psalms 62:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 He only {is} my rock and my salvation; {he is} my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. {defence: Heb. high place}
Psalms 62:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall {shall ye be, and as} a tottering fence.
Psalms 62:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 They only consult to cast {him} down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. {inwardly: Heb. in their inward parts}
Psalms 62:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation {is} from him.
Psalms 62:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 He only {is} my rock and my salvation: {he is} my defence; I shall not be moved.
Psalms 62:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 In God {is} my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, {and} my refuge, {is} in God.
Psalms 62:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 Trust in him at all times; {ye} people, pour out your heart before him: God {is} a refuge for us. Selah.
Psalms 62:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 Surely men of low degree {are} vanity, {and} men of high degree {are} a lie: to be laid in the balance, they {are} altogether {lighter} than vanity. {altogether: or, alike}
Psalms 62:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart {upon them}.
Psalms 62:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power {belongeth} unto God. {power: or, strength}
Psalms 62:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 Also unto thee, O Lord, {belongeth} mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Psalms 62:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.