The Treasury of David
by C.H. Spurgeon

EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS
(Psalms 113 Verse 4)

EXPOSITION

Verse 4. The Lord is high above all nations. Though the Gentiles knew him not, yet was Jehovah their ruler: their false gods were no gods, and their kings were puppets in his hands. The Lord is high above all the learning, judgment, and imagination of heathen sages, and far beyond the pomp and might of the monarchs of the nations. Like the great arch of the firmament, the presence of the Lord spans all the lands where dwell the varied tribes of men, for his providence is universal: this may well excite our confidence and praise.

And his glory above the heavens: higher than the loftiest part of creation; the clouds are the dust of his feet, and sun, moon, and stars twinkle far below his throne. Even the heaven of heavens cannot contain him. His glory cannot be set forth by the whole visible universe, nor even by the solemn pomp of angelic armies; it is above all conception and imagination, for he is God -- infinite. Let us above all adore him who is above all.

 

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 4-5. The LORD is high ... The LORD our God dwelleth on high. But how high is he? Answer

1. So high, that all creatures bow before him and do homage to him according to their several aptitudes and abilities. John brings them all in, attributing to him the crown of glory, putting it from themselves, but setting it upon his head, as a royalty due only to him. (Revelation 5:13)
   1. Some by way of subjection, stooping to him: angels and saints worship him, acknowledging his highness, by denying their own, but setting up his will as their supreme law and excellency.
   2. Others acknowledge his eminency by their consternation upon the least shining forth of his glory; when he discovers but the emblems of his greatness, devils tremble, men quake, James 2:19; Isaiah 33:14.
   3. Thirdly, even inanimate creatures, by compliance with, and ready subjection to, the impressions of his power, Habakkuk 3:9-11; Isaiah 48:13; Daniel 4:35.
2. He is so high that he surmounts all created capacity to comprehend him, Job 11:7-9. So that indeed, in David's phrase, his greatness is "unsearchable," Psalms 145:3. In a word, he is so high,
   1. That no bodily eye hath ever, or can possibly see him.
   2. Neither can the eye of the understanding perfectly reach him. He dwells in inaccessible light that no mortal eye can attain to. --Condensed from a sermon by Thomas Hedges, entitled, "A Glimpse of God's Glory," 1642.