Psalms 62:1

Truly. Heb. ’ak, also meaning “only,” “surely.” ’Ak intensifies the force of the word or phrase to which it is attached. It occurs six times in this psalm (see vs. 2, 4, 5, 6, 9). In v. 1 ’ak emphasizes the phrase “upon God.” In the Hebrew the phrase thus translated immediately follows ’ak. The clause conveys the thought that the psalmist waits upon God only, to the exclusion of all others. Another illustration of the force of ’ak to intensify the meaning of what immediately follows is found in Ps. 39:5, 6, where, in the Hebrew, ’ak (translated “verily” or “surely”) occurs at the beginning of three successive lines, as compared with six here.

My soul. Used idiomatically for “I” (see on Ps. 16:10).

Waiteth. Heb. dumiyyah, a noun, not a verb. The idea expressed is “silence,” “silent waiting,” or silent expectation (see Ps. 65:1). The psalmist’s mind is at rest with God. This calmness comes to him who leaves all in God’s hands.

My salvation. See Ps. 35:3; 37:39.