Psalm 62:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

NIV: Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

NASB: My soul, wait in silence for God alone, For my hope is from Him.

CSB: Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from him.

NLT: Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.

KJV: My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

NKJV: My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.

This repeats the theme of verse 1, using different words. Where the first expression was a statement of fact, this is a reminder or command for David's own spirit. The next verse continues the near-repetition by echoing the message of verse 2 (Psalm 62:2). That David is "silent" implies stillness and calm, rather than a literal absence of noise. Because of his confidence, David does not feel the need for rage or panic. He simply trusts that the Lord will act. As a man often engaged in war, David was often forced to trust God for rescue from an enemy, and God always answered his hope.

Believers of the New Testament era have a similar hope, placed in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. In Romans 5:2 Paul writes: "We rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Believers look for the ultimate deliverance from their trials. It will come in fullness with the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21—22). Believers will have glorified bodies and live forever with God, free from the grip of sin, persecution, physical distress, and temptation. Paul refers to Jesus' return as "our blessed hope" (Titus 2:13).

Psalm 62:5–8 demonstrates David's confidence in God to answer prayer. David identifies God as his source of confidence and assurance. This begins by repeating the same ideas seen in the opening lines of the psalm (Psalm 62:1–2), in slightly different words. By repeating metaphors such as "rock," David emphasizes the unshakable nature of his deep faith. He encourages others to make the same choice: trusting the Lord with sincerity.

David asserts that he places all trust and faith in the Lord God alone. Evil people may slander and attack, but the believer in God can patiently wait for justice. Whether weak or powerful, all people are subject to God's judgment. No deeds will escape the Lord's notice (Hebrews 4:13).

No specific event is associated with this psalm. It may relate to David's time as a fugitive from Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2). It is most likely a general expression of David's faith in God's provision. Other psalms echo these themes of unjust attackers (Psalm 38:19) and God's overwhelming power (Psalm 63:2; 147:5).

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.