Psalms 103:11

11 As high as the heavens are above the earth-- that is how vast his mercy is toward those who fear him.

Images for Psalms 103:11

Psalms 103:11 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 103:11

For as the heaven is high above the earth
Which is the greatest distance known, or can be conceived of; the space between the heaven and the earth is seemingly almost infinite; and nothing can more illustrate the mercy of God, which reaches to the heavens, and is in heaven; though this is but a faint representation of the largeness and abundance of it, and which indeed is boundless and infinite:

so great is his mercy towards them that fear him, or, his mercy hath
prevailed over them that fear him
F1; as the waters of the flood prevailed upon the earth, and reached and overflowed the highest hills, ( Genesis 7:18 ) , so abundant and superabundant is the grace of God over them that "fear" him. Which character is given, not as being the cause of their obtaining mercy, but as descriptive of the persons that partake of it; on whom it has such an effect, as to cause them to fear the Lord, and his goodness; and is mentioned to prevent obstinate and presumptuous sinners expecting it, or trusting to it.


FOOTNOTES:

F1 (le-rbg) "praevalet super", Musculus; so Cocceius, Michaelis.

Psalms 103:11 In-Context

9 He will not always accuse us of wrong or be angry [with us] forever.
10 He has not treated us as we deserve for our sins or paid us back for our wrongs.
11 As high as the heavens are above the earth-- that is how vast his mercy is toward those who fear him.
12 As far as the east is from the west-- that is how far he has removed our rebellious acts from himself.
13 As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.