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Psalms 103:11
Verse
Context
Bless the LORD, O My Soul
10He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. 11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. 12As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The ingenious figures in Psa 103:11. (cf. Psa 36:6; Psa 57:11) illustrate the infinite power and complete unreservedness of mercy (loving-kindness). הרחיק has Gaja (as have also השׁחיתו and התעיבו, Psa 14:1; Psa 53:2, in exact texts), in order to render possible the distinct pronunciation of the guttural in the combination רח. Psa 103:13 sounds just as much like the spirit of the New Testament as Psa 103:11, Psa 103:12. The relationship to Jahve in which those stand who fear Him is a filial relationship based upon free reciprocity (Mal 3:11). His Fatherly compassion is (Psa 103:14) based upon the frailty and perishableness of man, which are known to God, much the same as God's promise after the Flood not to decree a like judgment again (Gen 8:21). According to this passage and Deu 31:21, יצרנוּ appears to be intended of the moral nature; but according to Psa 103:14, one is obliged to think rather of the natural form which man possesses from God the Creator (ויּיצר, Gen 2:7) than of the form of heart which he has by his own choice and, so far as its groundwork is concerned, by inheritance (Psa 51:7). In זכוּר, mindful, the passive, according to Bצttcher's correct apprehension of it, expresses a passive state after an action that is completed by the person himself, as in בּטוּה, ידוּע, and the like. In its form Psa 103:14 reminds one of the Book of Job Job 11:11; Job 28:23, and Psa 103:14 as to subject-matter recalls Job 7:7, and other passages (cf. Psa 78:39; Psa 89:48); but the following figurative representation of human frailty, with which the poet contrasts the eternal nature of the divine mercy as the sure stay of all God-fearing ones in the midst of the rise and decay of things here below, still more strongly recalls that book.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
great--efficient.
John Gill Bible Commentary
As far as the east is from the west,.... Which Kimchi thinks is mentioned because it contains the length of the habitable world; and therefore it is not said as far as the north is from the south; since a man can go from east to west, but not from north to south, because of the extreme heat and cold. But this distance is not given with respect to those opposite parts of the earth, which scarcely exceed 12700 miles; but with respect to those opposite points in the heavens: and the meaning is, that as far as the eastern point of the heavens is from the western point of them; which more illustrates the matter in hand, or the blessing later mentioned, than the other. So far hath he removed our transgressions from us; which removed men and angels from God, and set them at a distance from him; and which, if not removed, are such burdens as must sink men down into the lowest hell; and yet cannot be removed by anything that they can do; not by any sacrifices, services, or duties of any kind; nor in any other way, nor by any other person, than the Lord himself: and this is to be understood not of a removal of the being of sin out of his people, for that is not done in this life; rather of the removal of the guilt of sin, by a special application of pardoning grace and mercy; see Sa2 12:13, but, best of all, of a removal of sins to Christ, and of them by his sacrifice and satisfaction: Christ engaged as a surety for his people; Jehovah the Father considered him as such; and therefore did not impute their sins to them, but to him; and when he sent him in the likeness of sinful flesh, he removed them from them, and laid them upon him; who voluntarily took them on himself, cheerfully bore them, and, by bearing them, removed the iniquity of the land in one day; and carried them away to the greatest distance, and even put them away for ever by the sacrifice of himself; and upon the satisfaction he gave to divine justice, the Lord removed them both from him and them; justified and acquitted him, and his people in him: and by this means so effectually, and so far, are their transgressions removed, that they shall never be seen any more, nor ever be imputed to them, nor be brought against them to their condemnation; in consequence of which, pardon is applied to them, and so sin is removed from their consciences, as before observed; see Lev 16:21.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
103:11-12 The Lord’s love and forgiveness are infinite and complete.
Psalms 103:11
Bless the LORD, O My Soul
10He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. 11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. 12As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
To Talk With the Father
By Basilea Schlink75404:35Radio ShowPSA 103:11In this sermon transcript, Basilia Schlenk emphasizes the importance of having a childlike relationship with God as a loving Father. She addresses those who may feel distant from God or unworthy of a close relationship due to their sins. Schlenk encourages listeners to trust in God's forgiveness and love, reminding them that even the worst sinners are loved by God when they repent. She praises God for his kindness, mercy, and willingness to forgive, and encourages listeners to rejoice in their poverty and sinfulness because it entitles them to a special share in God's love and help.
Global Outreach Spotlight
By George Verwer31738:13MissionsPSA 103:11PRO 3:5MAT 6:33ACT 13:2ROM 11:331CO 2:16In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to pick up various books and resources to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith. They mention an introductory packet with a free book, as well as a book called "Y-Pro Life" by Randy Alcorn. The speaker also mentions a series on CD called the "29th Chapter of Acts" and shares a humorous anecdote about preaching on a non-existent 29th chapter of Acts. They emphasize the importance of living out the Christian faith in difficult times and express gratitude for being alive. The sermon concludes with a reference to Acts 13 and the importance of worshiping God.
Precious in the Sight of God
By K.P. Yohannan0ObedienceFear Of GodEXO 18:21LEV 19:14LEV 25:17JOB 1:8PSA 15:4PSA 85:9PSA 103:11PSA 112:8PSA 119:63ISA 6:3K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of fearing God, illustrating that this reverence is what makes individuals precious in His sight. He highlights Job as a prime example, noting that God valued Job's fear of the Lord above his wealth and accomplishments. The sermon underscores that true obedience stems from recognizing God's holiness and authority, and that blessings come to those who fear Him, even amidst life's challenges. Yohannan also reflects on the life of Watchman Nee, whose unwavering commitment to God, despite persecution, exemplifies the profound impact of living in holy fear. Ultimately, the message calls believers to cultivate a deep reverence for God, which leads to true blessing and a life that honors Him.
All He Thinks Of
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 103:11ISA 54:10ROM 8:381JN 4:16Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the profound love of God towards us, emphasizing that dwelling in love means dwelling in God and having God dwell in us. She reflects on the transformative power of God's love, which brings forth a new world and sets us free. Tileston encourages embracing the hope and certainty of God's unfailing kindness and peace, even amidst the uncertainties of life.
The Wonder of God
By A.W. Tozer0God's LoveThe Majesty of GodGEN 1:1PSA 103:11PSA 103:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes the majesty and wonder of God, taking us back to the very beginning of creation as described by Moses in Genesis 1:1. He highlights that God transcends time and space, asserting His rightful claim to call us to Himself. Tozer also reflects on David's portrayal of God's immense love for His people in Psalm 103, illustrating that God's love is as vast as the heavens and everlasting for those who revere Him. The sermon conveys the profound nature of God's relationship with humanity, which is beyond full comprehension. Tozer invites us to marvel at the greatness of God and His unwavering love.
Not Enough Pens- nor Enough Paper (A Brief Look Into Jewish Persecution) Introduction
By Robert Wurtz II0PSA 25:14PSA 31:19PSA 34:7PSA 103:11PSA 145:19PRO 9:10PRO 12:4PRO 14:26PRO 31:30ISA 8:13John Piper preaches on the importance of praising and honoring women who fear the Lord, using Proverbs 31:30 as the focal point. He highlights the acrostic structure of Proverbs 31 and the 22 praiseworthy attributes of a woman who fears the Lord. Piper delves into the meaning of 'fearing the Lord' as a deep reverence and trust in God, leading to peace, security, and hope. He emphasizes the blessings and promises that come with fearing the Lord, encouraging women to find strength, wisdom, and generosity in their faith.
Letter 178.
By James Bourne0PSA 103:11James Bourne, in a letter to Mrs. J., reflects on God's unfathomable faithfulness to His people, emphasizing the goodness and provision He grants to those who fear Him. Bourne acknowledges the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in revealing hidden sins and the need for genuine repentance and reliance on God's mercy. He shares his personal experience of finding humility and redemption in God's grace, expressing a desire for others to also encounter the transformative power of God's love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Letter 92
By James Bourne0PSA 34:17PSA 46:1PSA 103:11ISA 41:10MAT 7:13ROM 8:38PHP 4:6HEB 13:5JAS 1:121PE 5:7James Bourne, in a letter to M. O. Bushey on August 23, 1835, expresses comfort in hearing of God's tender dealings during a time of extremity. He emphasizes the fear and dismay caused by sin, highlighting the need for a deep conviction of God's love in Christ Jesus to enable true worship. Bourne encourages Bushey not to give in to the lies of the devil, reminding him of God's promise to never leave nor forsake His children. He urges Bushey to persevere through the strait gate, knowing that God's mercies are abundant and sufficient even in the midst of trials and fears.
The Unsearchable Riches of Christ
By Thomas Reade0PSA 36:7PSA 103:11ISA 55:8ROM 11:331CO 1:23EPH 1:7EPH 2:4EPH 3:8COL 2:2Thomas Reade preaches about the unsearchable riches of Christ, using the transformation of Saul of Tarsus as an example of the amazing work of conversion. He emphasizes the importance of making Christ Crucified the central theme of preaching, as it is the foundation of the Church and the source of all divine influences. Reade highlights the infinite Holiness of God and the exceeding sinfulness of sin, urging believers to seek the unsearchable riches of Christ for wisdom, strength, and eternal salvation.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The ingenious figures in Psa 103:11. (cf. Psa 36:6; Psa 57:11) illustrate the infinite power and complete unreservedness of mercy (loving-kindness). הרחיק has Gaja (as have also השׁחיתו and התעיבו, Psa 14:1; Psa 53:2, in exact texts), in order to render possible the distinct pronunciation of the guttural in the combination רח. Psa 103:13 sounds just as much like the spirit of the New Testament as Psa 103:11, Psa 103:12. The relationship to Jahve in which those stand who fear Him is a filial relationship based upon free reciprocity (Mal 3:11). His Fatherly compassion is (Psa 103:14) based upon the frailty and perishableness of man, which are known to God, much the same as God's promise after the Flood not to decree a like judgment again (Gen 8:21). According to this passage and Deu 31:21, יצרנוּ appears to be intended of the moral nature; but according to Psa 103:14, one is obliged to think rather of the natural form which man possesses from God the Creator (ויּיצר, Gen 2:7) than of the form of heart which he has by his own choice and, so far as its groundwork is concerned, by inheritance (Psa 51:7). In זכוּר, mindful, the passive, according to Bצttcher's correct apprehension of it, expresses a passive state after an action that is completed by the person himself, as in בּטוּה, ידוּע, and the like. In its form Psa 103:14 reminds one of the Book of Job Job 11:11; Job 28:23, and Psa 103:14 as to subject-matter recalls Job 7:7, and other passages (cf. Psa 78:39; Psa 89:48); but the following figurative representation of human frailty, with which the poet contrasts the eternal nature of the divine mercy as the sure stay of all God-fearing ones in the midst of the rise and decay of things here below, still more strongly recalls that book.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
great--efficient.
John Gill Bible Commentary
As far as the east is from the west,.... Which Kimchi thinks is mentioned because it contains the length of the habitable world; and therefore it is not said as far as the north is from the south; since a man can go from east to west, but not from north to south, because of the extreme heat and cold. But this distance is not given with respect to those opposite parts of the earth, which scarcely exceed 12700 miles; but with respect to those opposite points in the heavens: and the meaning is, that as far as the eastern point of the heavens is from the western point of them; which more illustrates the matter in hand, or the blessing later mentioned, than the other. So far hath he removed our transgressions from us; which removed men and angels from God, and set them at a distance from him; and which, if not removed, are such burdens as must sink men down into the lowest hell; and yet cannot be removed by anything that they can do; not by any sacrifices, services, or duties of any kind; nor in any other way, nor by any other person, than the Lord himself: and this is to be understood not of a removal of the being of sin out of his people, for that is not done in this life; rather of the removal of the guilt of sin, by a special application of pardoning grace and mercy; see Sa2 12:13, but, best of all, of a removal of sins to Christ, and of them by his sacrifice and satisfaction: Christ engaged as a surety for his people; Jehovah the Father considered him as such; and therefore did not impute their sins to them, but to him; and when he sent him in the likeness of sinful flesh, he removed them from them, and laid them upon him; who voluntarily took them on himself, cheerfully bore them, and, by bearing them, removed the iniquity of the land in one day; and carried them away to the greatest distance, and even put them away for ever by the sacrifice of himself; and upon the satisfaction he gave to divine justice, the Lord removed them both from him and them; justified and acquitted him, and his people in him: and by this means so effectually, and so far, are their transgressions removed, that they shall never be seen any more, nor ever be imputed to them, nor be brought against them to their condemnation; in consequence of which, pardon is applied to them, and so sin is removed from their consciences, as before observed; see Lev 16:21.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
103:11-12 The Lord’s love and forgiveness are infinite and complete.