Psalms 62:2
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrase "greatly moved" suggests that while the believer might experience distress or shaking, it won't be a total overthrow. Even amidst trouble, their core trust remains secure, implying a resilience that prevents complete collapse rather than the absence of all struggle.
The Psalmist begins by declaring his complete reliance on God for deliverance, especially in the face of enemies and deception. After a confession of waiting silently for God, he proclaims that his salvation and security come solely from the Lord, who is his unshakeable fortress. This declaration sets the stage for a warning against trusting in human power or prosperity, which can shift like sand.
In a world that constantly shifts beneath our feet, where do you find solid ground? This verse points to one absolute source.
The 'Only' God
The verse begins with a powerful "He alone." This isn't just a preference; it's an exclusive claim. David isn't saying God is one of his options for security, but the only one. This highlights that ultimate trust can only be placed in the Creator, not in circumstances, people, or even our own strength.
Rock, Salvation, Fortress
These aren't random metaphors. They paint a picture of God as:
Together, they declare that God is our complete provision for security, both spiritually and practically.
Does God promise a life free from all trouble? This verse offers a nuanced, realistic hope for the faithful.
The Reality of Shaking
The phrase "I shall not be greatly moved" is crucial. It doesn't mean believers will never face trials, doubts, or moments of weakness. The commentaries highlight that "greatly moved" implies not being permanently overthrown or utterly cast down.
Secure, Not Immune
This promise is about ultimate security, not immunity from hardship. Even in the midst of storms, those whose hope is in God can trust that they won't be fundamentally destabilized or lose their eternal footing. God upholds His people, ensuring their most vital interests remain safe.
Understand the original words
tsur · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor describing God as a secure, immovable foundation and refuge. It conveys the idea of divine protection and stability amidst life's trials.
misgab · Hebrew Noun
A fortified place or stronghold; a metaphor for God as a secure defense against enemies and troubles.
mot · Hebrew Verb
A state of being moved, unstable, or cast down. It relates to the feeling of insecurity or the actual experience of being overwhelmed by opposition or hardship.
This passage uses identical imagery, calling God 'my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,' reinforcing the idea of God as an unshakeable source of strength and safety.
Psalms 118:8It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man,' which directly parallels the Psalmist's reliance on God alone as his rock and salvation, rejecting reliance on any other.
Isaiah 26:3This verse speaks of God keeping in 'perfect peace' those whose minds are stayed on Him, echoing the sentiment of not being 'greatly moved' because of trust in God's steadfastness.
Matthew 7:24-25Jesus' parable of the wise builder who built his house on the rock illustrates the concept of being firmly established and not falling when storms come, mirroring the Psalmist's assurance of not being greatly shaken.
1 Corinthians 10:13This passage assures believers that God is faithful and will not allow them to be tempted beyond what they can bear, providing a divine guarantee that supports the confidence of not being overcome, even when facing severe trials.
gillPsalms 62:2: "He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved."
He only is my Rock and my salvation,.... The Rock on which the church is built, and every believer; and which was David's safety, shelter, and shade, and which made him easy in his present state; and he was the author of his salvation, and the rock and strength of it, Psalm 95:1 ; he is my defence; or refuge; see Psalm 9:9; I shall not be greatly moved; or "with much motion", as Kimchi; or "with…
ellicottPsalms 62:2: "He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved."
(2) Defence. —Properly, high tower, as so often. The metaphor is important here from the contrast with the tottering wall of next verse. Shall not be greatly moved . . .—i.e. (as in Psalm 37:24), shall not be made to totter or fall.
The phrase "greatly moved" suggests that while the believer might experience distress or shaking, it won't be a total overthrow. Even amidst trouble, their core trust remains secure, implying a resilience that prevents complete collapse rather than the absence of all struggle.
The Psalmist begins by declaring his complete reliance on God for deliverance, especially in the face of enemies and deception. After a confession of waiting silently for God, he proclaims that his salvation and security come solely from the Lord, who is his unshakeable fortress. This declaration sets the stage for a warning against trusting in human power or prosperity, which can shift like sand.
The Psalmist begins by declaring his complete reliance on God for deliverance, especially in the face of enemies and deception. After a confession of waiting silently for God, he proclaims that his salvation and security come solely from the Lord, who is his unshakeable fortress. This declaration sets the stage for a warning against trusting in human power or prosperity, which can shift like sand.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 62:2 is available in the Sola app.
"He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken." — The phrase "greatly moved" suggests that while the believer might experience distress or shaking, it won't be a total overthrow. Even amidst trouble, their core trust remains secure, implying a resil…
