To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.

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 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 defense;
much moved 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 defense:
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.