Sunday, February 7, 2010 pm
PSALM 62
GOD IS MY SALVATION
We don’t know when
this psalm was written, but it was evidently during a time of trouble
for David. I suspect it was
written later because of the many expressions found elsewhere in David’s
writings. Thus it could
possibly be during Absalom’s rebellion or some other troubling event,
many of which David faced.
The lessons still apply to us when we face troubles.
The psalm can be
divided into 3 equal sections – pauses inserted by David himself: Trust
in God (1-4), a call for others to trust in God (5-8), and the futility
of trust in all others (9-12).
a.
“Truly
my soul silently waits for God.” The NASU translates this phrase as,
“My soul waits in silence for God
only”.
We are reminded of our need to wait on Him.
He does not work on our time frame.
We need to wait “silently” – which to me means without
complaining and with reverence. “The Lord is in His holy temple.
Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (Habakkuk 2:20)
Note: The word “Truly” (“only” in the NASU) is an interesting
word that is easy to overlook.
It is an emphatic particle meaning a word that emphasizes what it
is talking about. What is
interesting is that this same particle is found 6 times in this psalm
(62:1- “Truly”; 2, 4 & 6 - “only”; 5 – “alone”; & 9 - “surely”.
Some have described this as “the
only psalm”. The
LESSON for us in this is exclusive trust in God!
b.
“From
Him comes my salvation” – what a true statement, in every sense of
the word. Mentioned 4 times
in this psalm.
c.
“He
only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense” – all familiar
descriptions of His protection from our enemies.
Let us briefly mention each of these as they recur throughout
this psalm.
i.
Rock – used here to
describe a solid place unmovable.
A place of strength where one can take refuge.
(Deut. 32:31, Psa. 18:2, 19:4 – strength)
ii.
Salvation – in the Old
Testament, it more often has to do with the idea of deliverance, as
opposed to eternal salvation.
However, that does not mean that they did not anticipate
something better with Him after this life (cf. Heb. 11:13-16, 39-40).
The word is found some 45 times
in the book of Psalms. The
Hebrew word is transliterated as “yeshush” (think of Joshua and Jesus –
which both mean, “the LORD is my Salvation”)
iii.
Defense – a word that is
all described in other places as a REFUGE or stronghold (Psa. 9:9, 18:2,
etc.)
d.
“I
shall not be GREATLY moved” – observe the word “greatly”.
There will be some movement, but not removal.
I am reminded of how at times the actions of our enemies shake us
up. We suffer set backs and
perhaps even trauma, but our foundation is not shaken.
It is much like a tree in a great
wind that sways with the wind, but it is grounded.
Hebrews 6:19 speaks of our hope as an anchor of the soul.
Consider a boat in water anchored to the rock.
It may sway, but it remains grounded to its focal point.
Vs. 3-4 describe the enemy.
Continually we have examined assaults from David’s enemies.
This psalm is no exception, repeating some of those themes.
There is a desire to attack and destroy, in this case David as king.
But in the end THEY will be defeated.
Their motives are accompanied with lies and inward cursing.
(2 Peter 3:16 – twisting words to their own destruction; James
3:9 speaks of the contradictory tongue, cf. John 11:47-50 where the
leaders plot to destroy Jesus – we know the tactics they resort to,
etc.)
Often the enemies of truth must resort to dishonesty in their attacks –
twisting words and maligning intentions.
This is the only weapon the enemy of God really has.
Our goal in this: 1) Stick with the truth!
It will prevail – 1 Peter 2:15 says, “For
this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the
ignorance of foolish men.”
1 Peter 2:11–12, “Beloved,
I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which
war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles,
that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good
works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
2) DON’T resort to their
tactics. One of the
quickest ways to destroy your credibility is to sink to their level.
If we misuse scriptures to prove a valid point are we any better
than those who twist our words? Romans
14:16, “Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;”
“You shall be slain all of you, like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.”
UNLIKE the swaying tree with foundation, their lack of foundation
will cause them to collapse with the least bit of resistance.
Just like the foolish man that built his house on the sand, (Matt.
7:26-27). Same
principle!
a.
“My
soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.”
David repeats his need to remain silent before God (i.e. no
complaining and showing due reverence).
The word “alone” is the same word as “only” mentioned
previously. David’s trust is
at ALL times, even when others are not around.
Some of your greatest tests of loyalty to God are when you are alone.
NOT only when by yourself, but when you ALONE stand for the
truth!
Here David acknowledges that deliverance will come from Him and not
another.
I love the word, “expectation”
- The NASU uses the word hope.
David is NOT doubting here.
Consider
Lamentations 3:24–26 says, “The
Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” The Lord
is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.
It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the
salvation of the Lord.”
b.
Vs. 6
is a repetition of vs. 2 with
the exclusion of ONE word – here David says, “I shall not be moved”.
Note the word “greatly” is not here.
Could this be increased faith as he moves forward!
Now there is NO swaying as he FULLY trusts in God.
c.
Vs. 7,
likewise is repetitive of His description of God with the addition of
one expression – “My glory” –
a phrase that expresses joy and pride.
Do we glory in the Lord?
Romans 15:5–6,
Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded
toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that
you may with one mind and one
mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 6:19–20, “Or do
you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in
you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were
bought at a price; therefore
glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
d.
Vs. 8 – “Trust
in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is
a refuge for us.” Perhaps the
reason for David’s repetition in these verses is that He is not speaking
just for himself. He is
encouraging all others to trust in God as well.
Whenever David fled, there were still those faithful to him and
God. David is here
encouraging them to remain faithful as well.
a.
“Surely
men of low degree are a vapor…” Verse 9 describes the plight of
trusting in men. It matters
not whether you be rich or poor, if you put all together they are
lighter than vapor in face of God.
The description used is that of a scale – put them ALL on one
side and God on the other, they will rise up as if there is nothing on
their side.
The point is when it comes to what REALLY matters, man cannot help you –
salvation, spiritual strength, protection from temptations, etc.
b.
“Do
not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; if riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.”
The enticements of life whether cannot deliver you from eternal
condemnation. You have to
choose who you will serve (Matt. 6:24, Mark 8:36-37 – what will it
profit a man…). Note that
most of what is mentioned in this verse is dishonest and detestable.
It is believe that perhaps this has reference to David’s enemies
and their enticements to gain followers.
c.
“God
has spoken once, twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God.”
How many times does God have to say something for it to be so?
ONCE! When God
speaks, we need to listen!
So to hear it twice would mean emphasis.
JUST LIKE THIS PSALM, repetition drives the point home – THAT
POWER BELONGS TO GOD. David
has seen it in himself and he emphasizes it to others.
d.
“Also
to You, O Lord, belongs mercy; for You render to each one according to
his work.”
David concludes recognizing God’s mercy (typical David) – that which is
necessary for salvation.
HOWEVER, it will be weighed “according to his work.”
Even David recognized the need to act and do good.
UNLIKE “once saved, always saved” we have to “work
out” our “own salvation with
fear and trembling” (Philippians
2:12). Beyond
simple obedience, Christians need to do good things!
This has ALWAYS been expected.
Matthew 25:31-46 contrasts the doers with the don’ts.
James Burton Coffman, describing this text in his commentary
said, “the Christian who does nothing good is good for nothing, much
less heaven.” And no
this is NOT teaching salvation by works, but rather works will
DEMONSTRATE our gratitude to God – James 2:18.