Psalms 62:11

God hath spoken once; twice haue I heard this, that power belongeth vnto God. Psalms 62:11 (KJV)

The line “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.” is not found in Psalm 62, yet its language reflects the themes of that psalm. Psalm 62 is attributed to David and is classified as a psalm of trust. It emphasizes the author’s confidence in God’s power, his deliverance, and his dependence on God alone for his salvation.

The sovereignty of God is highlighted by the opening declaration that “once hath God spoken.” This underscores the authority and sovereignty of God; when He speaks, His words carry weight and significance. The phrase “once” suggests the uniqueness and finality of God’s declaration.

The repetition in the line, “twice have I heard this,” emphasizes the importance and certainty of what God has spoken. In biblical literature, repeating something twice often signifies firmness and unchangeability.

The concluding statement, “that power belongeth unto God,” underscores the central theme of the psalm—the power of God. It reminds us that ultimate power and authority reside with God alone, and all other powers are subordinate to Him.

Application:

• a. Trust in God’s power – The psalmist’s proclamation invites us to place our trust in the power of God. When facing challenges, we can rely on His strength rather than our own.
• b. Seek God’s word – The repetition encourages us to pay attention to what God is saying. We should diligently seek His voice through His Word, prayer, and spiritual discernment.
• c. Surrender to God’s sovereignty – Recognizing that power belongs to God helps us surrender our desires for control. We can rest in the assurance that God’s plans and purposes are perfect and ultimately prevail.

Related themes:

• a. God’s omnipotence – This line affirms the unlimited power and authority of God, echoing passages such as Psalm 147:5 and Jeremiah 32:17.
• b. Exclusive dependence on God – The psalmist’s trust in God’s power highlights the importance of relying on Him alone, echoing the biblical principle of seeking God first and recognizing that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).