Psalms 113:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 113:5 presents a profound rhetorical question, "Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high," serving as a powerful declaration of God's unparalleled nature, supreme majesty, and absolute transcendence. This verse establishes the foundational reason for the psalm's urgent call to praise, highlighting the infinite gap between the Creator and creation, while simultaneously setting the stage for the psalm's subsequent revelation of God's condescending grace and active involvement in the lives of the humble and needy. It underscores that God's exalted position does not preclude His intimate concern for humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 113 is the first of the six Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118), a collection traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals. The psalm opens with an urgent and universal call to praise the LORD, spanning from the rising of the sun to its setting, emphasizing the global scope of God's glory and the perpetual nature of His praise, as seen in [Psalms 113:1-3](/psalms/113-1-3 "Psalms 113:1-3 - Call to Praise the LORD from Sunrise to Sunset"). Verse 4 then declares God's supreme exaltation "above all nations" and "His glory above the heavens," establishing His cosmic dominion. Psalms 113:5 directly follows this, transitioning from a general statement of God's exalted glory to a rhetorical question that challenges anyone or anything to compare with Him, specifically emphasizing His dwelling "on high." This rhetorical question not only reinforces His transcendence but also acts as a crucial pivot, preparing the reader for the astonishing subsequent verses, [Psalms 113:6-9](/psalms/113-6-9 "Psalms 113:6-9 - God Lifts the Lowly and Gives Children"), which describe this incomparably high God humbling Himself to look upon the lowly and lift them from their dust.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118) were integral to ancient Israelite worship, particularly during the three pilgrimage festivals: Passover (Pesach), Pentecost (Shavuot), and Tabernacles (Sukkot). During Passover, they were sung as part of the Seder meal, commemorating God's miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This historical backdrop imbues Psalms 113:5 with deeper meaning: the God who is incomparably high is also the God who actively intervened in history to save His people. The concept of God dwelling "on high" resonated with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of deities residing in celestial spheres, but the Israelite understanding uniquely affirmed YHWH's absolute sovereignty over all other gods and powers, while simultaneously emphasizing His covenantal relationship with His people. The rhetorical question "Who is like unto the LORD our God?" would have served as a powerful affirmation of monotheism in a polytheistic world, challenging the prevailing idolatry and polytheistic beliefs of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's Incomparability**, asserting that the LORD is utterly unique and without peer. No other being, power, or human construct can be likened to Him in nature, attributes, or deeds, a truth echoed throughout scripture, such as when God declares, "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One" in [Isaiah 40:25](/isaiah/40-25 "Isaiah 40:25 - God's Uniqueness and Incomparability"). Secondly, the phrase "who dwelleth on high" emphasizes **God's Transcendence**, signifying His existence and nature are distinct from and superior to His creation. This highlights His holiness, majesty, and absolute sovereignty, indicating His dwelling place is not merely a physical location but a representation of His exalted status and ultimate control over the universe, as also seen in [Isaiah 6:1](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1 - God's High and Lifted Up Throne"). Finally, it speaks to **Divine Majesty and Sovereignty**, portraying God as the supreme ruler whose authority and power are limitless, yet paradoxically, He is also the God who "humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth" ([Psalms 113:6](/psalms/113-6 "Psalms 113:6 - God Humbles Himself to Behold Creation")), demonstrating that His highness is not aloofness but the source of His effective and compassionate governance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush. Derived from the root "to be," it signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and unwavering faithfulness to His promises. The use of YHWH here emphasizes that the incomparable God is not an impersonal force, but the living, relational God of Israel, who enters into covenant with His people and acts on their behalf, as recounted in [Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "Exodus 3:14-15 - The Name of God, I AM WHO I AM").
* **dwelleth (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** While often translated "dwelleth" or "sitteth," the Hebrew verb *yâshab* (H3427) carries connotations of being established, enthroned, or abiding in a fixed place. In this context, it implies God's settled authority and sovereign rule from His exalted position. It's not a temporary visit but a permanent state of being "on high," reinforcing His unchangeable majesty and control over all things.
* **on high (Hebrew, _gâbahh'_):** This phrase, derived from the primitive root *gâbahh* (H1361), means "to soar, i.e. be lofty." It denotes not just a physical elevation but a qualitative one, signifying God's supreme transcendence, His absolute superiority over all creation, and His dwelling in a realm of ultimate holiness and glory beyond human comprehension. It conveys His exalted and majestic status, far above any earthly or created thing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who [is] like unto the LORD our God,"**: This opening clause is a rhetorical question, designed not to elicit an answer, but to powerfully assert an undeniable truth: there is no one, no entity, no power, no deity, no being, no force that can be compared to YHWH, the God of Israel. It serves as an emphatic declaration of His absolute uniqueness, incomparability, and singularity. It challenges any notion of polytheism or the worship of idols, firmly establishing God's unrivaled supremacy and His exclusive claim to worship.
* **"who dwelleth on high,"**: This second clause specifies the nature of God's incomparable greatness – His transcendence. It describes God as residing in a position of ultimate elevation, majesty, and authority, far above all earthly and even heavenly realms. This "dwelling on high" signifies His absolute sovereignty, His unapproachable holiness, and His complete independence from creation. It paints a picture of a God who is utterly distinct from His creation, ruling from a position of supreme power and glory, yet paradoxically, from this very height, He chooses to engage with His creation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Psalms 113:5 is the **Rhetorical Question**. By asking "Who is like unto the LORD our God?", the psalmist does not seek information but rather intends to make an emphatic statement that the answer is unequivocally "No one." This technique powerfully underscores God's absolute uniqueness and incomparability, engaging the reader to affirm this truth themselves, making the declaration more impactful than a simple statement. Additionally, the phrase "who dwelleth on high" employs **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. While God is Spirit and not confined to a physical location, "on high" serves as a metaphorical representation of His transcendence, supreme authority, and exalted status. It symbolizes His divine majesty and sovereign rule over all creation, conveying His otherness and ultimate supremacy in a way that human language can grasp, emphasizing His position of ultimate power and glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 113:5 presents a foundational theological truth: the absolute incomparability and transcendence of God. This truth is not merely an abstract concept but forms the basis for understanding God's nature and His relationship with humanity. The God who is so high and exalted that none can compare to Him is paradoxically the same God who "humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth" ([Psalms 113:6](/psalms/113-6 "Psalms 113:6 - God Humbles Himself to Behold Creation")). This sets up a profound theological tension between God's transcendence (His otherness, His dwelling "on high") and His immanence (His nearness, His active involvement in creation). The psalm celebrates this paradox, showing that God's exalted status does not distance Him from His creation, but rather empowers Him to intervene decisively on behalf of the lowly and the needy. His dwelling "on high" is not a sign of aloofness, but of supreme authority from which He exercises His compassionate rule, demonstrating that His power is always wielded with justice and mercy.

* [Isaiah 57:15](/isaiah/57-15 "Isaiah 57:15 - God Dwells with the Humble and Contrite")
* [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God Cannot Be Contained by Temples")
* [Jeremiah 23:24](/jeremiah/23-24 "Jeremiah 23:24 - God Fills Heaven and Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that no one is like the LORD our God and that He dwells "on high" should evoke a profound sense of awe, reverence, and worship within us. This truth humbles us, reminding us of our finite nature in comparison to His infinite majesty, yet it simultaneously inspires immense trust. If God is truly incomparable and sovereign over all, then His power to act on our behalf is limitless, and His wisdom in governing the universe is beyond question. This perspective encourages us to release our anxieties and fears into His capable hands, knowing that the One who dwells in the highest heavens is also intimately concerned with the details of our lives. His transcendence assures us of His power, while the psalm's subsequent verses assure us of His condescending love, prompting us to worship Him with abandon and to live with hopeful expectation of His intervention, confident that His exalted position guarantees His ability to fulfill His promises and accomplish His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's unparalleled greatness and transcendence (dwelling "on high") shape your understanding of His character and power in your personal life?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God's supreme authority inspire both deep reverence and unwavering trust in your daily walk with Him?**
* **How can we practically live out the truth that no one is like the LORD, allowing it to influence our priorities, our worship, and our response to life's challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does "dwelleth on high" mean in a practical sense for believers today?**

Answer: "Dwelleth on high" signifies God's transcendence and supreme authority. Practically, for believers, it means that God is not limited by earthly constraints, human understanding, or the powers of this world. He is sovereign over all circumstances, beyond our problems, and capable of intervening in ways we cannot fathom. This truth inspires confidence in His ultimate control and ability to bring about His purposes, even when circumstances seem dire. It reassures us that our hope is placed in a God who is infinitely greater than any challenge we face, yet paradoxically, He is also the God who "looketh down upon the earth" and lifts the poor from the dust, as highlighted in [Psalms 113:6-7](/psalms/113-6-7 "Psalms 113:6-7 - God Looks Down and Lifts the Poor from the Dust").

**Why is the question "Who is like unto the LORD our God?" important, rather than just a statement?**

Answer: The use of a rhetorical question is a powerful literary device. Instead of simply stating "No one is like the LORD," the question "Who is like unto the LORD our God?" actively engages the reader or listener, inviting them to ponder the vastness of God's being and to arrive at the inescapable conclusion that there is indeed no one comparable to Him. This method makes the declaration more impactful and personal, challenging any alternative claims to divinity or supremacy. It serves as a direct challenge to idolatry and human pride, reinforcing God's absolute uniqueness and His rightful claim to exclusive worship, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - God is the First and Last, Besides Him There is No God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 113:5, with its declaration of God's incomparable transcendence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound revelation in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the God "who dwelleth on high," being "the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person," through whom God created the worlds and upholds all things by the word of His power, as affirmed in [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory"). Yet, the astonishing paradox of this psalm – that the incomparably high God humbles Himself to look upon and lift the lowly – is perfectly demonstrated in Christ's incarnation. The eternal Word, who was "with God, and was God" from the very beginning, as described in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), condescended to "dwell among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")). The one who was "in the form of God" did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men, even humbling himself to death on a cross, as profoundly detailed in [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience"). Therefore, Jesus is both the transcendent God "on high" and the immanent God who reaches down to lift the poor and needy, offering salvation and new life. His resurrection and ascension further confirm His exalted status, as He is now "seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")), reigning supremely, yet remaining the compassionate High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes for us ([Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Christ Our Sympathetic High Priest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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?