Psalms 103:11

11 For, as the height of the heavens [is] above the earth, His kindness hath been mighty over those fearing Him.

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Psalms 103:11 In-Context

9 Not for ever doth He strive, Nor to the age doth He watch.

10 Not according to our sins hath He done to us, Nor according to our iniquities Hath He conferred benefits upon us.

11 For, as the height of the heavens [is] above the earth, His kindness hath been mighty over those fearing Him.

12 As the distance of east from west He hath put far from us our transgressions.

13 As a father hath mercy on sons, Jehovah hath mercy on those fearing Him.