Once God Has Spoken

If the first part of Psalm 62 was an inner stillness — "be still, my soul" — the second part opens the door to everyone. David turns from his own soul to the whole people and invites: "Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts before Him." Then he sets up two sharp pictures of what is not worth trusting: human beings, lighter than a breath on the scales; and oppression and robbery, worthless even when they succeed. And out of this rises the declaration that seals the chapter: once God has spoken — strength belongs to Him, and Yours, O Lord, is kindness.

The structure of this part is a threefold journey: invitation (verses 8-9), warning (10-11), declaration (12-13). The climax holds one of the most beautiful points in the Psalms: strength and kindness — absolute power and absolute mercy — dwell together in the same God. The One who holds all the power is the One who is kind. The melody, an Israeli Emuna pop anthem with choir and crowd, turns David's invitation into one great sing-along.

The central verses, chosen as the chorus and the title of the song, are:

"Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that strength belongs to God. And Yours, O Lord, is kindness, for You repay each man according to his deeds."

"Once... twice have I heard" means: from one word of God, two truths are heard. From one divine word come the two truths that hold the world — and they complete each other.

This song is part of the larger journey of the project: with God's help, to compose and sing the entire Book of Psalms in a diverse, emotional, Jewish, and uplifting musical language.