Psalm 62:9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 62:8-12

Here we have David's exhortation to others to trust in God and wait upon him, as he had done. Those that have found the comfort of the ways of God themselves will invite others into those ways; there is enough in God for all the saints to draw from, and we shall have never the less for others sharing with us. I. He counsels all to wait upon God, as he did, Ps. 62:8. Observe, 1. To whom he gives this good counsel: You people (that is, all people); all shall be welcome to trust in God, for he is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 62:9

Surely men of low degree are vanity ,.... Or "sons of Adam" F9 בני אדם "filii Adam", Musculus, Michaelis; "nati plebeio homine", Junius & Tremellius; "plebeii", Gejerus; "sons of base men", Ainsworth. ; of the earthly man; of fallen Adam; one of his immediate sons was called Hebel, "vanity"; and it is true of all his sons; but here it designs only one sort of them; such as are poor and low in the world; mean men, as the phrase is rendered in Isaiah 2:9 ; See Gill on Psalm... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 62:9

Men of low degree are vanity - אדם בני beney Adam , which we here translate men of low degree, literally, sons of Adam, are put in opposition to איש בני beney ish , men of high degree, literally, the sons of substance, or children of substantial men. Adam was the name of the first man when formed out of the earth; Ish was his name when united to his wife, and they became one flesh. Before, he was the incomplete man; after, he was the complete man; for it seems, in the sight of God,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 62:9

Verse 9 9.Nevertheless, the sons of Adam are vanity. If we take the particle אך, ach, affirmatively, as meaning surely or certainly, then this verse contains a confirmation of the truth expressed in the preceding verse; and David argues by contrast, (420) that as men are lighter than vanity, we are shut up to the necessity of placing all our expectation upon God. It would agree well, however, with the contrast to suppose, that, under an impression of the little effect which the truth he had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:1-12

It is evident that the psalm contains nothing but what is suitable to the character of David, to whom the "title" assigns it; and further, that it accords well with his circumstance, when the revolt of Absalom was imminent. In further proof of the Davidical authorship may be urged "the earnestness of thought, the depth and force of religious feeling," and "the vigour and sublimity of the language" (Canon Cook). The psalm divides into three stanzas, each of four verses, the break between... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:1-12

This is a psalm of testimony. It includes two things. I. AN EXPRESSION OF PERSONAL CONFIDENCE IN GOD . Some trust in themselves; others in their fellow men; others, in the laws of nature. All this is so far good. It is well to be self-reliant. It is well to take advantage of the wisdom and help of others. It is well to act in the line of law, and in dependence upon the settled order of things with which we are connected. But there is something higher and better. The true... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:1-12

Danger and safety. The psalmist, like a mighty eagle, poises himself on the wings of his faith at a great height above the dangers that threatened him, and feels safe. Three things claim consideration. I. DANGER . 1 . His kingly dignity was threatened . ( Psalms 62:4 .) The position of the Christian is in constant danger. 2 . His life was in danger . ( Psalms 62:3 .) His enemies rushed upon him to overthrow him as if he were a bowing wall or a tottering fence. Our... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:9

Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie; rather, only vanity —or, nought but vanity — are men of low degree ; common men, as we call them—mere sons of Adam. This is too evident for dispute; but, in the view of the psalmist, this is not the worst. "Men of high degree" ( beney ish ) are no better—they are "a lie"—an unreality—a fading, false illusion. To be laid in the balance ; rather, in the balance, they go up (Hupfeld, Ewald Hitzig, Revised... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:9

Laid in the balance. I. RANK . Precedence among men does not depend on moral worth. It is a matter of etiquette. The man of "low degree" before men may be of "high degree" before God. The man who gets the "lowest place" in the great houses of this world may sit in the highest place in the kingdom of God. "Knighthoods and honours borne without desert are titles but of scorn" (Shakespeare). The true honour is that which cometh from God only. II. RICHES . Most people would like to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 62:9-12

"Here the psalmist becomes didactic" (Professor Cheyne). He encourages the faithful, and warns the wicked, by the declaration that men of every sort "are but vanity"—have no strength, no permanence—while power belongs only to God. Those who "oppress" and "rob" are, consequently, not to be feared—there is no strength in riches—God alone determines the issues of things. Unto him belongs mercy, or loving kindness—a quality which leads him not only to forgive men their transgressions, but to... read more

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