What does Psalm 62:8 mean?
ESV: Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
NIV: Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
NASB: Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
CSB: Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before him. God is our refuge. Selah
NLT: O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Interlude
KJV: Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
NKJV: Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Verse Commentary:
David calls on all of Israel—the "people"—and by extension the entire world (Psalm 33:8; 49:1) to follow his example. David relies utterly on God, even when under attack from evil men (Psalm 62:1–4). The Lord is his source of calm and confidence (Psalm 62:5–7). In the same way, others ought to be entirely sincere in their trust of God, holding nothing back. The Hebrew phrase translated as "pour out your heart" implies total surrender to the Lord with one's deepest, most inner self. This implies transparency before a God who already knows our hearts better than we do (Hebrews 4:13; Romans 8:26).
Too often, we only pray when trouble strikes, but it is not sufficient to turn to God only when times are challenging. Trust in God should be consistent, in good and troublesome circumstances, in times of plenty and those of need. First Thessalonians 5:17–18 exhorts believers to pray without ceasing and to give thanks in all circumstances.
Verse Context:
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.
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).
Book Summary:
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 5/7/2024 12:17:16 AM
© Copyright 2002-2024 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
