“Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!”
(Psalm 113:5-6)
God is infinitely exalted above all creation, not only in power and majesty, but in holiness, wisdom, and glory. He is the One “who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto” (1 Tim. 6:16). Scripture makes it clear that He is wholly other—transcendent, immutable, and eternal.
Indeed, God must “humble himself” to look even upon the heavens, as Psalm 113 tells us. The psalmist considers this holy contrast and marvels at the infinite distance between God’s throne and all created things. And what’s even more shocking is this: not only does He stoop to behold the works of His hands, He came to us in the person of His Son that we may know Him personally. This He chose to do from the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11), demonstrating that His loftiness only magnifies His mercy.
Isaiah 57:15 says He inhabits eternity, yet dwells with the humble. The Lord who rides upon the heavens (Deut. 33:26) also draws near to the lowliest of sinners. His loftiness becomes the fountain of His love—a love so deep that it reaches the lowest depth, so high that it originates in the eternal will of the Godhead, so wide that it gathers His elect from every corner of the earth.
This is seen most clearly in the Incarnation. The Second Person of the Trinity, equal in glory and essence with the Father (Phil. 2:6), stooped down to take upon Himself true human nature. He was born in a manger, walked in the dust of the earth, bore our griefs, and was made sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). Christ, the Lofty One, came down to meet us where we are in order that He might, in time, lift us up to where He is.
“His heights and your depths,” says Goodwin, “make the happiest union,” because it is grace that binds them together.[1] He who dwells in eternity stooped to save sinners, and that is a cause for unceasing praise.
Contemplations:
- God’s loftiness is not distance but majesty. The psalmist shows God seated on high, ruling and reigning. His exaltation denotes His holy supremacy. That He “looks down” is not disinterest but sovereign watchfulness. His throne is in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all (Ps. 103:19).
- Condescension is the miracle of grace. That God should look upon angels is a stoop. That He should love man is mercy. That He should send His Son is love unspeakable. He humbled Himself not only to behold us but to bear our curse. The cross is the greatest display of His majesty. Our worship must therefore be shaped by this: awe at His lofty position and gratitude for His descent.
- The more we see His heights, the more we marvel at His grace. When I think too lightly of God’s holiness, I cheapen His mercy. But when I behold Him as the Lofty One—high, lifted up, thrice holy—then grace becomes staggering. That He would call me “child” and grant me access into His presence is beyond comprehension. My worship must rise to match the majesty of the One I adore.
- Adoration grows through communion. The more I dwell with the Lofty One in prayer, the more I learn to love His holiness. His nearness in grace draws me up to behold His glory. I must walk worthy of this communion, rejoicing that He lifts the beggar to sit among princes (Ps. 113:8).
Prayer (Adoration):
O Lord, my God, You are the High and Lofty One who dwells in eternity. You are exalted above all blessing and praise. The heaven of heavens cannot contain You, and yet You have condescended to look upon one as low as I am. I adore You as the One whose throne is established in holiness, whose glory fills all creation, whose majesty none can measure, and whose greatness none can comprehend.
You have revealed Yourself not only as the Sovereign Lord but as the gracious Redeemer. You stooped to behold the things in heaven and in earth, and then stooped lower still in the Person of Your beloved Son. I marvel at the mystery that He who was rich became poor for our sake; that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. How shall I adore You rightly, O God of grace?
Your loftiness only makes Your mercy more glorious. You did not need me, yet You loved me. You were not compelled to save, yet You sent Christ. You are infinite in all perfections, yet You have united sinners to Yourself by covenant and blood. My soul magnifies You, my Savior, and my spirit rejoices in the God who lifts the poor from the dust.
Grant me, O Lord, a greater apprehension of Your glory. Let me not speak of You as though You were like me. Let me not treat You as familiar. Teach me to worship You in the splendor of holiness, and to approach You with reverent joy. Kindle in me a holy fire of adoration, that I might love You with heart, soul, mind, and strength.
May my life be lived before Your face as one raised from the miry clay and set upon the Rock. Let Your praise be in my mouth, Your greatness in my thoughts, and Your mercy in my steps. Make me worthy to bear the name of Your Son, who is Lord of all. And may I ever say with wonder and with worship: “Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high?”
In the name of Christ Jesus, King of glory, Amen.
Further Scriptures for Psalm 113:5:
Psalm 35:10, Psalm 103:19, Exodus 15:11, Psalm 89:6, Isaiah 57:15.
[1] Thomas Goodwin, The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 9 (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1864), 118.
