(The Lord speaking is red text)
Also unto thee, O Lord, [belongeth] mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Also to you, Adonai, belongs grace; for you reward all as their deeds deserve.
and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds.
Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth lovingkindness; For thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Also unto thee, O Lord{H136}, belongeth mercy{H2617}: for thou renderest{H7999}{H8762)} to every man{H376} according to his work{H4639}.
Psalm 62:12, which reads, "Also unto thee, O Lord, [belongeth] mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work," encapsulates two profound theological themes that resonate throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. The first theme is the attribute of God's mercy, emphasizing that compassion and forgiveness are inherent to the divine nature. The psalmist acknowledges that mercy is not something that humans can claim as their own; rather, it is a divine quality that originates from God alone.
The second theme is the principle of divine retribution or justice, which asserts that God will judge each person based on their actions. This verse reflects the belief in a moral order where individuals reap what they sow, a concept that is echoed in various forms throughout the Old Testament. The idea is that God is not only a merciful being but also a just one, who will fairly assess each person's deeds.
Historically, this verse would have been particularly meaningful to the ancient Israelites, who lived within a covenantal relationship with God. They understood their prosperity and well-being as tied to their obedience to God's law. The promise that God would render to every man according to his work would have been both a warning and a comfort—a warning to those who might be tempted to stray from God's commandments, and a comfort to the righteous who could trust in God's justice, especially in times when the wicked seemed to prosper.
In summary, Psalm 62:12 succinctly expresses the dual nature of God's relationship with humanity: a merciful disposition that offers grace and a just character that ensures fair recompense for human actions. This verse would have reinforced the Israelites' confidence in God's sovereignty and righteousness, serving as a cornerstone for their ethical and spiritual life.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)