The Bible Says
Psalm 62:3-4 Meaning

Here in Psalm 62:3-4, David, who ruled as the second king of Israel from around 1010 BC to 971 BC, turns his attention to those who would strike him down when he exclaims, How long will you assail a man, That you may murder him, all of you, Like a leaning wall, Like a tottering fence? (v. 3). This vivid imagery of a precarious, teetering barrier captures David’s awareness that his enemies are treating him as though he is already collapsing. They seize upon every sign of weakness, hoping to push him over the brink. In the face of such hostility, David’s words serve to highlight his utter dependence upon God’s sustaining power even when all external signs might suggest he is on the verge of falling.

The language like a leaning wall and like a tottering fence underscores the apparent fragility of a person facing relentless attack. Yet David’s confidence throughout Psalm 62 rests not in his own strength but in the steadfast faithfulness of the Lord. Elsewhere in Scripture, reliance on God’s strength is echoed by Paul, who writes that though believers may be perplexed and hard-pressed, they are not destroyed because of God’s power sustaining them (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). This unwavering trust pulls David through the darkest moments, reminding us that our true strength is found not in ourselves but in the gracious support that comes from God.

There is also a specific tone of challenge when David asks, How long? He is not merely expressing despair; he is calling attention to the injustice and moral corruption of those who scheme and plot. By vocalizing this question, David invites his community and readers throughout the ages to consider how long wickedness and injustice will be allowed to prevail before the Lord himself intervenes.

Continuing in his reflection, David exposes the true motives of his adversaries by stating, They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position; They delight in falsehood; They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. (v. 4). In these words, he highlights the stark contrast between what his enemies say publicly and what they intend privately. Their empty flattery and concealed hatred reveal a deep-rooted duplicity. David’s critics are not satisfied with small measures; they aim to bring him to total ruin, removing him from any place of honor or influence.

This two-faced opposition can be compared to the principle taught by Jesus: a person’s true nature flows naturally from within and manifests in their words and actions (Matthew 7:15-20). Although these foes might speak blessings, their hearts breed deceit, showcasing how detrimental falsehood can be to relationships and society. David’s experience warns believers against naively trusting flattery, urging them instead to seek God’s discernment and guard their hearts from deception.

Yet in the midst of such treachery, David’s cry also communicates hope. He sheds light on wrongdoing so it cannot remain in secrecy. While his enemies might think they are undermining him, David clings to the Lord’s ultimate justice, believing godly truth will triumph even when surrounded by verbal deceit. His candid testimony testifies that God’s steadfastness is stronger than the cunning designs of any ill-meaning plot.