Psalms 77:13
Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?
Original Language Analysis
כֵּֽאלֹהִֽים׃
O God
H430
כֵּֽאלֹהִֽים׃
O God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בַּקֹּ֣דֶשׁ
is in the sanctuary
H6944
בַּקֹּ֣דֶשׁ
is in the sanctuary
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
2 of 7
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
דַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ
Thy way
H1870
דַּרְכֶּ֑ךָ
Thy way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
מִי
H4310
מִי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
4 of 7
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
אֵ֥ל
a God
H410
אֵ֥ל
a God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
5 of 7
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
Cross References
Psalms 73:17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.Exodus 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?Psalms 63:2To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.Deuteronomy 32:31For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.Isaiah 40:25To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.Isaiah 46:5To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?Isaiah 40:18To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?Psalms 86:8Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.Psalms 27:4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.Psalms 71:19Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
Historical Context
The "sanctuary" (Hebrew qodesh) refers to the tabernacle and later temple where God met His people through ordained worship, sacrifice, and priesthood. This verse anticipates Exodus 15:11, sung after the Red Sea crossing: "Who is like unto thee, O LORD?" God's greatness is demonstrated through redemptive acts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does corporate worship help you understand God's ways and character?
- In what sense is Christ the ultimate "sanctuary" where God's way is fully revealed (John 14:6)?
- What makes Israel's God categorically different from all false deities ancient or modern?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm declares "Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary" (Hebrew Elohim baqqodesh darkekha)—God's ways are revealed in His holy presence and worship. The rhetorical question "Who is so great a God as our God?" (Hebrew mi-El gadol ka-Elohim) expects the answer "none." This juxtaposes God's transcendent greatness with His condescending nearness in the sanctuary. The verse affirms that understanding God's "ways" (His character, purposes, methods) comes through encountering Him in worship, not abstract philosophy.