John Calvin Commentary Psalms 113:5

"Who is like unto Jehovah our God, That hath his seat on high," — Psalms 113:5 (ASV)

Who is like unto Jehovah our God? The prophet strengthens his position for the celebration of God’s praises by contrasting the height of his glory and power with his unbounded goodness. Not that his goodness can be separated from his glory; but this distinction is made for the sake of humankind, who would not be able to endure his majesty if he did not kindly humble himself and gently and kindly draw us towards him.

The point is that God’s dwelling above the heavens, at such a distance from us, does not prevent him from showing himself to be near and plainly providing for our welfare.

And, in saying that God is exalted above the heavens, he magnifies his mercy towards humankind, whose condition is lowly and despicable. He informs us that God might righteously hold even angels in contempt, if it were not that, moved by paternal regard, he condescends to take them under his care. If he humbles himself in regard to angels, what then is to be said about humankind, who, groveling upon the earth, are altogether filthy?

Is it asked whether or not God fills heaven and earth? The answer is obvious. The words of the prophet simply mean that God may trample the noblest of his creatures under his feet, or rather that, because of their infinite distance, he may entirely disregard them. In short, we must conclude that it is not from our proximity to him, but from his own free choice, that he condescends to make us the objects of his special care.