Meaning of Psalms 62:11

Psalm 62:11, "One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: 'Power belongs to you, God,'" is a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and ultimate authority, presented as a distillation of divine revelation. The psalmist, likely David in a time of personal distress and opposition, is summarizing the core truth he has gleaned from God's word and his own experiences. This verse is not a contradiction of the preceding verses, which speak of God's steadfast love and His judgment, but rather a foundational principle that underpins all of God's actions and promises. The singular focus on God's power is presented as a singular, foundational truth, from which other understandings flow.

Context and Background

This verse is found within Psalm 62, a psalm of trust and reliance on God. The psalmist is facing significant adversaries, individuals who are described as seeking to overthrow him and who are characterized by deceit and violence (Psalm 62:3-4). In the midst of this turmoil, the psalmist actively chooses to wait for God alone, recognizing that his hope and salvation are solely in Him (Psalm 62:5-6). The psalm emphasizes that human strength and schemes are ultimately futile against God's might. Therefore, Psalm 62:11 emerges as a climactic affirmation of the divine attribute that renders all opposition powerless and all hope secure.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is divine sovereignty and omnipotence. The phrase "Power belongs to you, God" is an emphatic statement of ownership and absolute control. It asserts that all power, whether in creation, governance, or redemption, originates from and resides solely with God. This is not merely a statement of God's ability to act, but of His inherent and exclusive possession of power. It underscores that no other entity, human or spiritual, can claim ultimate authority or power independent of Him. The "one thing" and "two things" framing suggests a foundational truth that encompasses all other divine pronouncements and actions.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and security. In a world filled with uncertainty, threats, and perceived injustices, knowing that ultimate power rests with a benevolent God provides a stable anchor. It encourages a posture of humble reliance on God, rather than on human strength or worldly systems. The application is to internalize this truth and allow it to shape one's perspective, decisions, and prayers. When faced with overwhelming challenges, the believer is reminded to look to God, the source of all power, for strength, guidance, and deliverance. It also calls for worship and adoration, recognizing God for who He is and acknowledging His rightful dominion.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Psalm 62:11 resonates with the overarching biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation. The creation accounts in Genesis depict God speaking and bringing the universe into existence by His power. Throughout the Old Testament, God demonstrates His power through miracles, judgments, and the establishment of Israel. In the New Testament, the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the ultimate demonstrations of God's power over sin, death, and the cosmos. The revelation of God's power is a consistent thread, culminating in the final victory described in the book of Revelation. This verse can be seen as a theological bedrock upon which the entire biblical story is built.

Analogies

One analogy for "Power belongs to you, God" is that of a master musician to their instrument. The instrument itself has potential, but it is the musician's skill and command that bring forth the music. Similarly, the universe and all its forces are like instruments, but it is God's inherent power that directs and animates them. Another analogy is that of a sovereign king over his kingdom. All authority and power within the realm are derived from the king; no subject can wield power independently of his decree. God's power is not delegated; it is intrinsically His.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is in direct dialogue with numerous other biblical statements about God's power. For instance, Isaiah 40:26 declares, "Lift up your eyes to the heavens; who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls them each by name—because of his great power and mighty strength—not one of them is missing." This echoes the idea of God's creative and ordering power. Jeremiah 32:17 exclaims, "'Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.'" This verse, like Psalm 62:11, emphasizes God's omnipotence and the futility of human limitations in His sight. Furthermore, the New Testament affirmation in Ephesians 1:19-20 about the "incomparably great power" that God displayed in raising Christ from the dead further solidifies the theme of God's supreme and active power.