Psalm 62:4 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalm 62:4 mean?

ESV: They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah

NIV: Surely they intend to topple me from my lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.

NASB: They have planned only to thrust him down from his high position; They delight in falsehood; They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. Selah

CSB: They only plan to bring him down from his high position. They take pleasure in lying; they bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly. Selah

NLT: They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face but curse me in their hearts. Interlude

KJV: They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

NKJV: They only consult to cast him down from his high position; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, But they curse inwardly. Selah

Verse Commentary:

Enemies attack David hoping to knock him down, the way someone might launch against a leaning wall (Psalm 62:3). A weakened wall can topple if pushed; leaning fences can be tipped over. In the same way, a weak ruler can be taken down from his throne by persistent attacks. However, David is not weak—he relies on the Lord God for his power (Psalm 62:1–2). Earlier, David noted that his confidence in God allowed him to be still and silent, rather than anxious. These opponents apply lies and verbal attacks. They may say positive things, but in their hearts, they wish David harm.

When Jesus Christ ministered on earth, wicked men attacked Him and said evil things about Him. The scribes and Pharisees were jealous of the following He received (Matthew 27:18); they plotted to destroy Him (Matthew 26:3–5; Mark 3:6; 12:13). Eventually, one of His own disciples betrayed Him and sold Him to His enemies (Matthew 26:14–16; Luke 22:2–6). At His trial, religious leaders hired liars to testify against Him (Matthew 26:59–68). The people became hostile to Him (Matthew 27:15–23; Luke 23:13–25; John 19:12–16). Even in the end times, when Jesus rules on earth with perfect justice, nations will eventually rebel against Him (Revelation 20:7–15). Psalm 2:2–9 can be applied to the results of that uprising. God will laugh at the attempt (Psalm 2:4), and Jesus the Messiah will "break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel" (Psalm 2:9).

The word selah likely implies a pause. This may mean a break in music, or in singing, or a moment of reflection.

Psalm 62:1–4 contrasts God with the foes of His people. David's confidence is expressed in quiet, assured trust in the Lord. Evil people may lie, attack, and curse, but David will turn only to God as his source of safety.

Chapter Summary:

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).

Chapter Context:

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.

Accessed 5/6/2024 2:30:53 PM