Psalms – Chapter 62

Old Testament • 12 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 62 opens with the words: "A psalm of David while he was in the desert of Edom." David stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 12 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and God's protection and deliverance. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1A psalm of David while he was in the desert of Edom.

2O God, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day. For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my flesh, O how many ways!

3In a desert land, and where there is no way, and no water: so in the sanctuary have I come before thee, to see thy power and thy glory.

4For thy mercy is better than lives: thee my lips will praise.

5Thus will I bless thee all my life long: and in thy name I will lift up my hands.

6Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness: and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.

7If I have remembered thee upon my bed, I will meditate on thee in the morning:

8Because thou hast been my helper. And I will rejoice under the cover of thy wings:

9My soul hath stuck close to thee: thy right hand hath received me.

10But they have sought my soul in vain, they shall go into the lower parts of the earth:

11They shall be delivered into the hands of the sword, they shall be the portions of foxes.

12But the king shall rejoice in God, all they shall be praised that swear by him: because the mouth is stopped of them that speak wicked things.

Important Verses in Psalms 62

“O God, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day. For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my flesh, O how many ways!”

Psalms 62:2

“Thus will I bless thee all my life long: and in thy name I will lift up my hands.”

Psalms 62:5

“My soul hath stuck close to thee: thy right hand hath received me.”

Psalms 62:9

“But the king shall rejoice in God, all they shall be praised that swear by him: because the mouth is stopped of them that speak wicked things. ”

Psalms 62:12

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 62 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 12 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on David, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "A psalm of David while he was in the desert of Edom." The final verse reads: "But the king shall rejoice in God, all they shall be praised that swear by him: because the mouth is stopped of them…" The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 2: "O God, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day. For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my flesh, O how many ways!" The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2683). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize worship and praise as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 62 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.

People in This Chapter

David1 mention

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 62 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). Here the believer is invited to ponder gratitude as the foundation of prayer.

May your reading of Psalms Chapter 62 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 62 about?

Psalms 62 contains 12 verses. It opens with "A psalm of David while he was in the desert of Edom." and closes with "But the king shall rejoice in God, all they shall be praised that swear by him: because the mouth is stopped of them…". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 62?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "O God, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day. For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my flesh, O how many ways!" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 62?

This chapter mentions David.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Isaiah 55Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Maccabees 4Shares people and themes with this chapterRomans 11Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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