Psalms 113:5

Who [is] like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,

Who is like unto the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, who dwelleth {H3427} on high {H1361},

Who is like ADONAI our God, seated in the heights,

Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high?

Who is like unto Jehovah our God, That hath his seat on high,

Commentary on Psalms 113:5 (KJV)

The rhetorical question posed in Psalms 113:5, "Who [is] like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high," serves as a profound declaration of God's unparalleled nature and supreme majesty. This verse introduces the core theme of the psalm: God's incomparable greatness contrasted with His condescending grace towards the humble.

Context

Psalm 113 is the first of the six Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung by Jewish people during major festivals such as Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. These psalms are hymns of praise and thanksgiving, celebrating God's deliverance and sovereignty. Following an opening call to praise the LORD (verses 1-3), this verse pivots to establish the foundational reason for such praise: God's utterly unique and exalted position above all creation.

Key Themes

  • God's Incomparability: The central question, "Who is like unto the LORD our God?", highlights that God is utterly unique and without equal. No other being, power, or deity can compare to His nature, attributes, or deeds. This theme is echoed throughout scripture, affirming His singularity as the one true God (see Isaiah 40:25).
  • God's Transcendence: The phrase "who dwelleth on high" emphasizes God's elevated position, far above all earthly and heavenly realms. This signifies His transcendence – His existence and nature are distinct from and superior to His creation. It speaks to His holiness, majesty, and absolute sovereignty over all things.
  • Divine Majesty and Sovereignty: Dwelling "on high" implies that God is the supreme ruler, whose authority and power are limitless. His dwelling place is not merely a physical location but a representation of His exalted status and ultimate control over the universe.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is YHWH (Yahweh), the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His self-existence and faithfulness. The phrase "dwelleth on high" (Hebrew: hayyoshebi lammarom) beautifully conveys His exalted state. While He dwells in the highest heavens, scripture also reveals His willingness to engage with humanity, even dwelling with the humble and contrite (as seen in Isaiah 57:15). This sets the stage for the following verses in Psalm 113, which describe God's condescension to look upon and lift the lowly.

Practical Application

Understanding that no one is like the LORD our God and that He dwells "on high" should inspire profound awe and reverence in believers. This truth encourages:

  • Humility: Recognizing God's supreme transcendence puts our own limitations and place in perspective.
  • Trust: If God is incomparable and sovereign over all, then He is utterly trustworthy with our lives and the affairs of the world.
  • Worship: The only fitting response to such a magnificent God is heartfelt praise and adoration. His unique greatness demands our worship and devotion.
  • Hope: Despite His high dwelling, the psalm goes on to describe God's active involvement in the lives of the humble and needy. This provides immense hope that this powerful, incomparable God cares for and acts on behalf of His people.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 89:6

    For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? [who] among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

  • Isaiah 40:25

    To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.

  • Jeremiah 10:6

    Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might.

  • Exodus 15:11

    Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

  • Deuteronomy 33:26

    ¶ [There is] none like unto the God of Jeshurun, [who] rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.

  • Psalms 89:8

    O LORD God of hosts, who [is] a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?

  • Isaiah 40:18

    ¶ To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?

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