Psalms 138:6

¶ Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

Though the LORD {H3068} be high {H7311}, yet hath he respect {H7200} unto the lowly {H8217}: but the proud {H1364} he knoweth {H3045} afar off {H4801}.

For though ADONAI is high, he cares for the lowly; while the proud he perceives from afar.

Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.

For though Jehovah is high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly; But the haughty he knoweth from afar.

Commentary

Psalms 138:6 beautifully illustrates a core principle of God's character: His profound interaction with humanity, despite His supreme majesty. This verse from a Psalm of David offers comfort to the humble and a stark warning to the arrogant.

Context

Psalm 138 is a psalm of thanksgiving, likely penned by King David, expressing gratitude for God's faithfulness and answered prayer. David praises God for His truth and lovingkindness, acknowledging His greatness. This particular verse highlights God's unique disposition towards different human attitudes, setting the stage for understanding divine justice and mercy. It follows verses that speak of God's glory and the kings of the earth praising Him, emphasizing that even with such universal praise, God's attention remains fixed on the humble.

Key Themes

  • Divine Condescension: Despite the LORD being "high" (marom), indicating His exalted, transcendent nature and supreme sovereignty, He chooses to engage intimately with the lowly. This demonstrates God's incredible humility and accessibility, contrasting with human expectations of distant rulers.
  • Favor for the Lowly: God "hath he respect unto the lowly." The Hebrew word for "respect unto" (yada) implies a deep, personal knowledge and favorable regard, not mere intellectual awareness. It signifies God's active care and attention towards those who are humble, meek, or afflicted, reflecting a foundational biblical principle that God draws near to the brokenhearted. This theme resonates strongly with God dwelling with the contrite spirit.
  • Rejection of the Proud: Conversely, "the proud he knoweth afar off." The Hebrew word for "proud" (ge'eh) describes one who is arrogant, haughty, and self-sufficient. God's knowledge of them "afar off" suggests a deliberate distance, a lack of intimate fellowship, or even a watchful, discerning judgment. This stark contrast underscores God's opposition to human arrogance, a concept echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5, which state that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Linguistic Insights

The contrast hinges on two key Hebrew terms: marom for "high" and aniy for "lowly." Marom emphasizes God's elevated, supreme position in the heavens. Aniy refers to the humble, the afflicted, or the poor in spirit—those who recognize their dependence on God rather than their own strength. The phrase "knoweth afar off" (yada merachok) for the proud is particularly poignant. While God is omniscient and knows all things intimately (Psalm 139:2), this specific phrasing implies a relational distance, a lack of favorable or intimate communion with the arrogant. He knows their ways, but not in a way that brings them into His favor or presence.

Practical Application

Psalms 138:6 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility in our walk with God. It teaches us that our standing before God is not based on earthly status, wealth, or power, but on the posture of our heart. For those who feel overlooked or insignificant, this verse offers immense encouragement, assuring them that the Almighty God sees and cares for them. Conversely, it serves as a solemn warning against pride, which separates us from God's intimate favor. To experience God's nearness and grace, we are called to humble ourselves, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness, knowing that whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 113:5

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

  • Psalms 113:6

    Who humbleth [himself] to behold [the things that are] in heaven, and in the earth!

  • 1 Samuel 2:7

    The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

  • 1 Samuel 2:8

    He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

  • Isaiah 57:15

    For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

  • Proverbs 3:34

    Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.

  • James 4:6

    But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
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