John Calvin Commentary Exodus 15:11

"Who is like unto thee, O Jehovah, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?" — Exodus 15:11 (ASV)

Who is like unto thee? Moses concludes this song of praise with an exclamation, because the grandeur of the subject is beyond words. The interrogation expresses more than if he had simply asserted that no one can be compared with God, because it marks both admiration and assured confidence in the truth of what he says. For he exclaims, as if overwhelmed with astonishment, Who is like unto thee, O Lord?

The notion of some that by the word “gods” he means the angels is more suitable to other passages; for instance, Psalms 89:6, Who in heaven can be compared unto the Lord? Who among the sons¹⁶² of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord? For it immediately follows, God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about him (Psalms 89:7 and following).

The meaning then is,¹⁶³ that although there is excellence in the angels, God is still exalted far above them all. However, in this context, the term “gods” may be more properly referred to idols, for Moses (as has been said) is professedly contrasting the one true God, whose religion and worship existed among the children of Abraham, with the delusions of the Gentiles. The word “sanctitas,” holiness, expresses that glory which separates God from all His creatures; therefore, in a way, it degrades all the other deities which the world has invented for itself, since the majesty of the one true God is so eminent and honorable.

He adds, fearful in praises, because He cannot be adequately praised without overwhelming us with astonishment. Moses later explains himself by saying that God’s works are wonderful. In my opinion, the explanation of those who think that He is said to be fearful in praises because He is to be praised with fear is a poor one; and the explanation of those who say that He is terrible even when He is praised is farfetched.

¹⁶² Filios Dei. — V.

¹⁶³ “Or le Sainct Esprit veut dire;” now the Holy Spirit means to say. — Fr..