Psalm 62:11

Verse 11. Twice have I heard, etc. There are several renderings and interpretations, of these words; but that which to me seems most intended by our rendering is, I heard what was once spoken of twice at once; that is, I heard it speedily, and I heard it believingly: as soon as ever the word came to me I received it, and I received it not only with my ear, but with my heart. That is a blessed way of hearing; and they who hear so, at first speaking, may well be said to hear that twice which God speaketh once. Joseph Caryl.

Verse 11. Power belongeth unto God. Believe the mighty power of God. Consider (1). It is difficult to believe his power. But how can that be? Is not this a piece of natural divinity, that God is almighty? What need is there, then, to press people to believe it? Great need; because this is the great thing we are apt to question in cases of difficulty. Else, why do we pray with cheerfulness when we see great probability of a thing, but faint in prayer when it is otherwise? And why do we cry out in sad times, "Oh, we shall never see good days again?"

(2). The firm belief of God's power is of great concern and moment in religion. Faith is never quite laid by till the soul questions the power of God. "Oh, he cannot pardon, he cannot save!" When it cometh to this, the soul is no longer able to hold out. So that the life and vigour of faith is very much concerned in the belief of God's power. It is, indeed, one of the first steps to all religion. Therefore it is put in the front of our creed: "I believe in God, the Father ALMIGHTY;" and he that believes that first article will the more easily believe all the rest.

(3). God is much displeased, even with his own children, when his power is questioned by them. For this God takes up Moses short: "Is the Lord's hand waxen short?" ( Numbers 11:23 ); as if he had said: "What, Moses, dost thou think that my power is exhausted or weakened? What an unworthy conceit is this!" For this also Christ rebuked Martha very sharply: "Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" John 11:40 . Yea, God is so tender of the glory of his power, that he hath sharply chastened his dear children when their faith staggered at this matter; as we see in Zacharias, who, for questioning the power of God, was immediately stricken dumb upon the place. Well, then, let it be your great care to have your faith confirmed in the belief of God's almighty power. For this end, ponder the verbal declarations made of it in the Holy Scriptures; consider and improve the manifestations he hath given of it, both in your own and former times; and pray much that God would strengthen and increase your faith. William Wisheart.

Verse 11-12. Except some of the ancient versions, almost every version, translation, and commentary, says, Dr. A. Clarke, have missed the sense and meaning of this verse. Of the former verse the Doctor offers the following translation: "Once hath God spoken; these two things have I heard." But what are the two things the Psalmist had heard?

William Carpenter in "An Explanation of Scripture Difficulties," 1828.

Verse 11-12. I confess I wonder to find so constantly in Scripture that the inspired writers put "merciful" and "mighty," "terrible," and "great," all together: you shall find it so. Ne 1:5. "O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy," etc. You have it also in Daniel 9:4 , in his solemn prayer. "O Lord," says he, "the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy," etc. Thus mercy, and great and terrible are constantly joined together. Thomas Goodwin.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 11.

Verse 11-12. The constant union of power and mercy in the language of Scripture.