In this psalm, (1.) David solemnly avows his manifold relations to God; his composed dependence on, fixed trust in, and quiet waiting for God; and his hopes of the ruin of his enemies, ver. 1-7. (2.) He earnestly encourageth others to trust in, and call on God, who is infinite in power, mercy, and justice; and to beware of trusting in men, or in outward riches or honours, which are deceitful, and unsubstantial, ver. 8-12.
While I sing, go thou, my soul, and do likewise. Be weaned from all dependence on creatures; but cleave to, and depend on this all-sufficient Jehovah, as answerable to all thy needs, all thy desires, all thy enjoying powers, for time and for eternity. Then, O how fixed in safety! and how filled with the consolations of Christ!
1 To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.
3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
10 Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
1 My soul with expectation
depends on God indeed;
My strength and my salvation doth
from him alone proceed.
2 He only my salvation is,
and my strong rock is he:
He only is my sure defence;
much mov'd I shall not be.
3 How long will ye against a man
plot mischief? ye shall all
Be slain; ye as a tott'ring fence
shall be, and bowing wall.
4 They only plot to cast him down
from his excellency:
They joy in lies; with mouth they bless,
but they curse inwardly.
5 My soul, wait thou with patience
upon thy God alone;
On him dependeth all my hope
and expectation.
6 He only my salvation is,
and my strong rock is he;
He only is my sure defence:
I shall not moved be.
7 In God my glory placed is,
and my salvation sure;
In God the rock is of my strength,
my refuge most secure.
8 Ye people, place your confidence
in him continually;
Before him pour ye out your heart:
God is our refuge high.
9 Surely mean men are vanity,
and great men are a lie;
In balance laid, they wholly are
more light than vanity.
10 Trust ye not in oppression,
in robb'ry be not vain;
On wealth set not your hearts, when as
increased is your gain.
11 God hath it spoken once to me,
yea, this I heard again,
That power to Almighty God
alone doth appertain.
12 Yea, mercy also unto thee
belongs, O Lord, alone:
For thou according to his work
rewardest ev'ry one.
Eternal God, that art the only glory and esperance of thy children, assist us ever in time of our troubles, and deliver us from the troops of all our enemies. Show unto them that all is but vanity: and that it is nothing that they account for their great riches and treasure: Seeing there is no health but unto them, that trust in thy goodness and mercy, which thou hast declared and made manifest to us, in thy dear Son Jesus Christ.