Psalms 103:11

“For as the heaven is high above the earth, etc.] Which is the greatest distance known, or can be conceived of; the space between the heaven and the earth is seemingly almost infinite; and nothing can more illustrate the mercy of God, which reaches to the heavens, and is in heaven; though this is but a faint representation of the largeness and abundance of it, and which indeed is boundless and infinite: so great is his mercy towards them that fear him, or, his mercy hath prevailed over them that fear him f1436; as the waters of the flood prevailed upon the earth, and reached and overflowed the highest hills, (<010718>Genesis 7:18), so abundant and superabundant is the grace of God over them…”

“For as the heaven is high above the earth - See the notes at Psalms 57:10. Compare the notes at Isaiah 55:9. The literal translation of the phrase here would be, “For like the height of the heavens above the earth.” The heavens - the starry heavens - are the highest objects of which we have any knowledge; and hence, the comparison is used to denote the great mercy of God - meaning that it is as great as can be conceived; that there is nothing beyond it; that we cannot imagine that it could be greater - as we can imagine nothing higher than the heavens. So great is his mercy toward them that fear him - To those who reverence and serve him. That is, His mercy is thus great in forgiving their…”

“So great - So much above their deserts and expectations. Psalms 103:14”

“103:11-12 The Lord’s love and forgiveness are infinite and complete.”

“as the: etc. Heb. according to the height of heaven, Psa 36:5, Psa 57:10, Psa 89:2; Job 22:12; Pro 25:3; Isa 55:9; Eph 2:4-7, Eph 3:18, Eph 3:19 his mercy: Psa 103:17; Luk 1:50 Psalms 103:12”

“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…”