They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah They fully intendThe phrase "They fully intend" suggests a deliberate and premeditated action. In the Hebrew text, the word used here conveys a sense of completeness and determination. This indicates that the adversaries of the psalmist are not acting on impulse but have a calculated plan. Historically, this reflects the persistent opposition faced by the faithful, often seen in the lives of biblical figures like David, who faced numerous plots against him. The intention is not half-hearted but rather a full commitment to their cause, which is often rooted in jealousy or fear of the righteous. to topple him
The imagery of "to topple him" evokes the idea of overthrowing or bringing down someone from a position of stability or prominence. In the context of ancient Israel, this could refer to a king or leader being deposed. The Hebrew root here is often used in the context of physical structures being demolished, suggesting a violent and forceful action. Spiritually, this can be seen as an attack on one's faith or moral standing, where the enemy seeks to destabilize and destroy the foundation of one's trust in God. from his lofty place
"From his lofty place" indicates a position of honor or authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this could refer to a king's throne or a place of high status. The psalmist, likely King David, speaks from experience, having been anointed by God yet facing numerous attempts to dethrone him. This phrase also symbolizes the spiritual high ground that believers hold when they are in right standing with God. The enemy's desire is to bring the faithful down from this elevated position, both physically and spiritually. They delight in lies
The phrase "They delight in lies" reveals the character of the adversaries. The Hebrew word for "delight" suggests pleasure or enjoyment, indicating that these individuals find satisfaction in deceit. This reflects a moral corruption where truth is disregarded, and falsehood is embraced. Biblically, lying is often associated with the devil, the "father of lies" (John 8:44), and stands in stark contrast to the nature of God, who is truth. The historical context shows that false accusations and slander were common tactics used against God's anointed. They bless with their mouths
"They bless with their mouths" highlights the duplicity of the adversaries. The act of blessing is outwardly positive, often invoking God's favor upon someone. However, the insincerity here is evident, as the blessing is merely superficial. In the Hebrew culture, words held significant power, and a blessing was a serious matter. This phrase underscores the hypocrisy of those who speak well in public but harbor ill intentions in private, reminiscent of the Pharisees whom Jesus criticized for their outward piety but inward corruption. but they curse inwardly
The contrast in "but they curse inwardly" reveals the true nature of the adversaries' hearts. While their words may seem kind, their inner thoughts are filled with malice. The Hebrew word for "curse" implies invoking harm or misfortune upon someone. This duplicity is a common theme in the Psalms, where the righteous are often surrounded by those who are two-faced. Spiritually, this serves as a warning to believers to be discerning of those who may appear friendly but have hidden agendas, and it encourages integrity and sincerity in one's own life. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 62, David is expressing his trust in God amidst adversaries. 2. AdversariesThe unnamed individuals or groups who seek to bring down the psalmist, representing those who oppose the righteous. 3. SelahA term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or musical interlude. Teaching Points The Danger of DeceptionRecognize the harm that deceitful words can cause, both to the speaker and the listener. Be vigilant against those who may appear supportive but harbor ill intentions. Guarding the HeartEnsure that your words align with your heart's intentions, striving for integrity and sincerity. Reflect on your motivations and seek to purify your heart through prayer and scripture. Trust in God Amidst OppositionLike David, place your trust in God when faced with adversaries who seek to harm you. Remember that God is aware of the true intentions of the heart and will uphold the righteous. The Power of WordsUnderstand the impact of your words and use them to bless genuinely, not to manipulate or deceive. Encourage others to speak truthfully and with love, reflecting the character of Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we identify and guard against deceitful influences in our lives, as described in Psalm 62:4? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our words and our hearts are aligned, avoiding the hypocrisy mentioned in this verse? 3. How does trusting in God provide strength and stability when facing adversaries who seek to harm us? 4. What practical steps can we take to use our words to bless others genuinely, rather than to manipulate or deceive? 5. How do the teachings in James 3:9-10 and Matthew 15:8 reinforce the message of Psalm 62:4 regarding the consistency between our words and our hearts? Connections to Other Scriptures James 3:9-10This passage discusses the inconsistency of blessing and cursing coming from the same mouth, similar to the duplicity mentioned in Psalm 62:4. Matthew 15:8Jesus speaks about people honoring God with their lips while their hearts are far from Him, paralleling the deceitful nature of the adversaries in Psalm 62:4. Proverbs 26:24-26These verses warn about enemies who disguise themselves with kind words, reflecting the deceitful blessings of the adversaries. People David, Jeduthun, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Bless, Blessing, Cast, Consult, Consulted, Counseled, Curse, Cursing, Deceit, Delight, Delighting, Devise, Dignity, Drive, Eminence, Enjoy, Excellence, Excellency, Falsehood, Fully, Heart, Hearts, Height, Honour, Intend, Inward, Inwardly, Lie, Lies, Lofty, Mouth, Mouths, Plan, Pleasure, Position, Revile, Selah, Throw, Thrust, ToppleDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 62:4 5016 heart, fallen and redeemed
5550 speech, negative
5830 delight
5863 flattery
8666 praise, manner and methods Library April 3. "My Expectation is from Him" (Ps. Lxii. 5).
"My expectation is from Him" (Ps. lxii. 5). When we believe for a blessing, we must take the attitude of faith, and begin to act and pray as if we had our blessing. We must treat God as if He had given us our request. We must lean our weight over upon Him for the thing that we have claimed, and just take it for granted that He gives it, and is going to continue to give it. This is the attitude of trust. When the wife is married, she at once falls into a new attitude, and acts in accordance with the …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth Waiting Only Upon God
"He everywhere hath sway, And all things serve his might; His every act pure blessing is, His path unsullied light." Oh! that we had grace to carry out the text in that sense of it! It is a hard matter to be calm in the day of trouble; but it is a high exercise of divine grace when we can stand unmoved in the day of adversity, and feel that "Should the earth's old pillars shake, And all the wheels of nature break, Our stedfast souls should hear no more Than solid rocks when billows roar." That is …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 Justice.
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy; for thou renderest to every man according to his work.--Psalm lxii. 12. Some of the translators make it kindness and goodness; but I presume there is no real difference among them as to the character of the word which here, in the English Bible, is translated mercy. The religious mind, however, educated upon the theories yet prevailing in the so-called religious world, must here recognize a departure from the presentation to which they have been accustomed: …
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons Forgiveness and Retribution.
"Thou renderest to every man according to his work."--Psalms lxii: 12. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."--II Cor. v: 10. Forgiveness and Retribution. I can imagine some one saying, "I attend church, and have heard that if we confess our sin, God will forgive us; now I hear that I must reap the same kind of seed that I have sown. How can I harmonize the …
Dwight L. Moody—Sowing and Reaping Waiting on God
Psalms 62:5.--My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him. The solemn question comes to us, "Is the God I have, a God that is to me above all circumstances, nearer to me than any circumstance can be?" Brother, have you learned to live your life having God so really with you every moment, that in circumstances the most difficult He is always more present and nearer than anything around you? All our knowledge of God's Word will help us very little, unless that comes to be the question …
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling My High Tower
"He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence, I shall not be moved."--Ps. lxii. 6. Paul Gerhardt, 1676. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Is God for me? I fear not, though all against me rise; I call on Christ my Saviour, the host of evil flies. My friend the Lord Almighty, and He who loves me, God, What enemy shall harm me, though coming as a flood? I know it, I believe it, I say it fearlessly, That God, the Highest, Mightiest, for ever loveth me; At all times, in all places, He standeth …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) Remembrance and Resolution. --Ps. Lxii.
Remembrance and Resolution.--Ps. lxii. O God! Thou art my God alone; Early to Thee my soul shall cry, A pilgrim in a land unknown, A thirsty land whose Springs are dry. Oh! that it were as it hath been, When, praying in the holy place, Thy power and glory I have seen, And mark'd the footsteps of Thy grace! Yet through this rough and thorny maze, I follow hard on Thee, my God! Thine hand unseen upholds my ways, I safely tread where Thou hast trod. Thee, in the watches of the night, When I remember …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns Thou Shalt not Steal.
This Commandment also has a work, which embraces very many good works, and is opposed to many vices, and is called in German Mildigkeit, "benevolence;" which is a work ready to help and serve every one with one's goods. And it fights not only against theft and robbery, but against all stinting in temporal goods which men may practise toward one another: such as greed, usury, overcharging and plating wares that sell as solid, counterfeit wares, short measures and weights, and who could tell all the …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works The Heart of Man and the Heart of God
"Lord, teach us to pray."--Luke xi. 1. "Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us."--Ps. lxii. 8. EVER since the days of St. Augustine, it has been a proverb that God has made the heart of man for Himself, and that the heart of man finds no true rest till it finds its rest in God. But long before the days of St. Augustine, the Psalmist had said the same thing in the text. The heart of man, the Psalmist had said, is such that it can pour itself out …
Alexander Whyte—Lord Teach Us To Pray The Songs of the Fugitive.
The psalms which probably belong to the period of Absalom's rebellion correspond well with the impression of his spirit gathered from the historical books. Confidence in God, submission to His will, are strongly expressed in them, and we may almost discern a progress in the former respect as the rebellion grows. They flame brighter and brighter in the deepening darkness. From the lowest abyss the stars are seen most clearly. He is far more buoyant when he is an exile once more in the wilderness, …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Nineteenth Day for the Holy Spirit on Christendom
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit on Christendom "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."--2 TIM. iii. 5. "Thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead."--REV. iii. 1. There are five hundred millions of nominal Christians. The state of the majority is unspeakably awful. Formality, worldliness, ungodliness, rejection of Christ's service, ignorance, and indifference--to what an extent does all this prevail. We pray for the heathen--oh! do let us pray for those bearing …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us.
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not."--Matt. xxvii. 37. The Scripture teaches not only that the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and with Him Love, but also that He sheds abroad that Love in our hearts. This shedding abroad does not refer to the coming of the Holy Spirit's Person, for a person can not be shed abroad. He comes, takes possession, and dwells in us; but that which is shed abroad …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Daily Walk with Others (ii. ).
If Jesus Christ thou serve, take heed, Whate'er the hour may be; His brethren are obliged indeed By their nobility. In the present chapter I follow the general principles of the last into some further details. And I place before me as a sort of motto those twice-repeated words of the Apostle, TAKE HEED UNTO THYSELF. These words, it will be remembered, are addressed in both places to the Christian Minister. [Acts xx. 28; 1 Tim. iv. 6.] At Miletus St Paul gathers round him the Presbyters of Ephesus, …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren The Chorus of Angels
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour and glory, and blessing! I t was a good report which the queen of Sheba heard, in her own land, of the wisdom and glory of Solomon. It lessened her attachment to home, and prompted her to undertake a long journey to visit this greater King, of whom she had heard so much. She went, and she was not disappointed. Great as the expectations were, which she had formed from the relation made her by others, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Unchangeableness of God
The next attribute is God's unchangeableness. I am Jehovah, I change not.' Mal 3:3. I. God is unchangeable in his nature. II. In his decree. I. Unchangeable in his nature. 1. There is no eclipse of his brightness. 2. No period put to his being. [1] No eclipse of his brightness. His essence shines with a fixed lustre. With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' James 1:17. Thou art the same.' Psa 102:27. All created things are full of vicissitudes. Princes and emperors are subject to …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity But Concerning True Patience, Worthy of the Name of this virtue...
12. But concerning true patience, worthy of the name of this virtue, whence it is to be had, must now be inquired. For there are some [2650] who attribute it to the strength of the human will, not which it hath by Divine assistance, but which it hath of free-will. Now this error is a proud one: for it is the error of them which abound, of whom it is said in the Psalm, "A scornful reproof to them which abound, and a despising to the proud." [2651] It is not therefore that "patience of the poor" which …
St. Augustine—On Patience Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis
To Suger, Abbot of S. Denis He praises Suger, who had unexpectedly renounced the pride and luxury of the world to give himself to the modest habits of the religious life. He blames severely the clerk who devotes himself rather to the service of princes than that of God. 1. A piece of good news has reached our district; it cannot fail to do great good to whomsoever it shall have come. For who that fear God, hearing what great things He has done for your soul, do not rejoice and wonder at the great …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 62:4 NIVPsalm 62:4 NLTPsalm 62:4 ESVPsalm 62:4 NASBPsalm 62:4 KJV
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