Psalm 62 Study Notes

62:5-7 These verses echo vv. 1-2.

62:8 Pour out your hearts is an idiom for opening up to God with all one’s requests (42:4; 102:1; 142:2). It is joined with the idea of trust to indicate that through prayer a person can rely on God to meet his needs.

62:9-10 Vapor (Hb hevel) represents lack of significance or the fleeting nature of life (see note at 39:4-6). It is parallel with important people, showing the contrast between human perception and reality. Since vapor literally refers to a small puff of air, the idea of weighing it on a scale is absurd. All who think of themselves as prominent weigh less than a vapor. Trusting in anything other than God is futile. The mention of wealth in this way is developed elsewhere (see notes at 49:6, 10-12).

62:11 Once . . . twice is used for emphasis to show that something has been repeated and is therefore significant (Jb 33:14; 40:5). In this case it is a lesson to be learned.

62:12 Repay refers to retribution (see note at 28:3-5).