Psalms 62:12
and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse links God's steadfast love (mercy) with His justice in rendering to each person according to their works. This isn't a contradiction but a profound revelation: true mercy, in God's economy, means ultimately ensuring justice, even if our human "works" are imperfect. His loving-kindness is what empowers Him to deal justly with us, acknowledging our obedience while also understanding our frailty.
The psalmist, having just declared that "power belongs to God," now adds that steadfast love does too. This isn't just a nice sentiment; it's the foundation for trusting God, especially when facing injustice, because God will ultimately ensure that everyone receives what they deserve based on their actions.
We often hear about God's love, but what does it really mean when the Bible says 'steadfast love' belongs to Him? It's more than just a feeling – it's His very character.
The verse starts by affirming that 'steadfast love' belongs to the Lord. This isn't just an attribute God occasionally displays; it's intrinsic to who He is. Think of it as God's unwavering commitment, His loyal devotion, His abundant kindness that is always present and active.
This isn't a love that's earned or based on our performance. It's a foundational truth about God's being, revealed in His actions throughout history and in His ongoing relationship with His people. It’s the wellspring from which all His other dealings flow.
The second part of the verse speaks of God rendering to each person according to their work. How does this connect with His steadfast love? Is it a contradiction, or part of a deeper truth?
The verse links God's steadfast love with His justice. This isn't a justice that operates independently of His love, nor is His love an excuse for ignoring sin. Instead, God’s perfect justice is rooted in His perfect nature, which includes steadfast love.
For the Believer: God’s justice toward His children acknowledges their faith and endeavors, not as a basis for earning salvation (which is by grace through faith), but as a reflection of His work in them. He rewards their obedience and faithfulness, not because they’ve earned it, but because He is gracious and His steadfast love sustains them through their imperfections.
For the Unbeliever: God’s justice will also render according to their works, meaning their rebellion and sin will be met with righteous judgment. This isn't a lack of love, but the necessary consequence of His holy nature when faced with sin.
Both actions – rewarding the faithful and judging the unfaithful – flow from the same divine character, which is perfectly loving and perfectly just.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew term denoting God’s covenantal faithfulness, loyal love, mercy, and kindness. It describes a deep, steadfast commitment to His people that surpasses human obligations and remains firm despite human unfaithfulness.
'adonay · Hebrew Noun
A title for the Almighty, signifying His absolute authority, ownership, and masterhood over all creation. It expresses the believer's recognition of His divine right to rule and their own position of subjection and reliance.
shuv · Hebrew Verb
The act of rewarding or punishing individuals based on the moral quality of their deeds. Scripture consistently teaches that God, as the righteous Judge, impartially evaluates human actions and ensures that justice is ultimately served.
ma'aseh · Hebrew Noun
This passage directly echoes Psalm 62:12 by stating that God will repay each person according to what they have done, emphasizing divine justice and accountability for actions.
2 Corinthians 5:10This New Testament verse reinforces the idea that everyone will be held accountable for their actions, whether good or bad, before the judgment seat of Christ, aligning with the principle of rendering according to deeds.
Jeremiah 17:10This verse speaks of God searching hearts and giving to each person according to their ways and the fruit of their deeds, highlighting God's deep knowledge and just recompense.
Matthew 16:27Jesus declares that the Son of Man will come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will repay each person according to what they have done, showing the New Testament fulfillment of this Old Testament principle.
gillPsalms 62:12: "Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work."
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy,.... This is the other thing the psalmist had heard, and was assured of, and which encouraged his hope and trust in the Lord; that mercy belonged to him, Psalm 130:7 ; as appears, not only from the common bounties of his providence, daily bestowed upon his creatures; but from the special gift of his Son, and of all spiritual mercies and blessing…
pulpitPsalms 62:12: "Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work."
Verse 12. - Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy; or, loving kindness. "Of Divine power all nature speaks; the knowledge of God's mercy rests mainly on revelation" (Kay). For thou renderest to every man according to his work. When God rewards well doing, it is Still of his mercy, since no man can claim that he deserves reward.
The verse links God's steadfast love (mercy) with His justice in rendering to each person according to their works. This isn't a contradiction but a profound revelation: true mercy, in God's economy, means ultimately ensuring justice, even if our human "works" are imperfect. His loving-kindness is what empowers Him to deal justly with us, acknowledging our obedience while also understanding our frailty.
The psalmist, having just declared that "power belongs to God," now adds that steadfast love does too. This isn't just a nice sentiment; it's the foundation for trusting God, especially when facing injustice, because God will ultimately ensure that everyone receives what they deserve based on their actions.
The psalmist, having just declared that "power belongs to God," now adds that steadfast love does too. This isn't just a nice sentiment; it's the foundation for trusting God, especially when facing injustice, because God will ultimately ensure that everyone receives what they deserve based on their actions.
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A person’s deeds, actions, or conduct throughout their life. The Bible emphasizes that these are the tangible expressions of a person's heart and character, which God examines to determine the outcome of judgment.
"and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work." — The verse links God's steadfast love (mercy) with His justice in rendering to each person according to their works. This isn't a contradiction but a profound revelation: true mercy, in God's economy,…
