115:3 Our God is in heaven!
He does whatever he pleases! 1
55:9 for just as the sky 2 is higher than the earth,
so my deeds 3 are superior to 4 your deeds
and my plans 5 superior to your plans.
Our Father 7 in heaven, may your name be honored, 8
1 sn He does whatever he pleases. Such sovereignty is characteristic of kings (see Eccl 8:3).
2 tn Or “the heavens.” The Hebrew term שָׁמַיִם (shamayim) may be translated “heavens” or “sky” depending on the context.
3 tn Heb “ways” (so many English versions).
4 tn Heb “are higher than.”
5 tn Or “thoughts” (so many English versions).
6 sn Pray this way. What follows, although traditionally known as the Lord’s prayer, is really the disciples’ prayer. It represents how they are to approach God, by acknowledging his uniqueness and their need for his provision and protection.
7 sn God is addressed in terms of intimacy (Father). The original Semitic term here was probably Abba. The term is a little unusual in a personal prayer, especially as it lacks qualification. It is not the exact equivalent of “daddy” (as is sometimes popularly suggested), but it does suggest a close, familial relationship.
8 tn Grk “hallowed be your name.”