The portion of Jacob is not like them: for he is the former of all things; and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts is his name.
Portion - from a Hebrew root, 'to divide' х cheeleq (H2506), from chaalaq (H2505)]. God is the all-sufficient Good of His people (Numbers 18:20, "The Lord spake unto, Aaron ... I am thy part and thine inheritance;" Psalms 16:5; Lamentations 3:24).
Not like them - not like the idols, a vain object of trust (Deuteronomy 32:31, "Their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges").
Former of all things - `the Fashioner (as a potter, Isaiah 64:8) of the universe.'
Rod of his inheritance - the portion marked off as His inheritance by the measuring rod (Ezekiel 48:21). As He is their portion, so are they His portion (Deuteronomy 32:9, "The Lord's portion is His people; Jacob is the lot (Hebrew, cord) of His inheritance"). A reciprocal tie (cf. Jeremiah 51:19). Others make "rod" refer to the tribal rod or sceptre, as in Psalms 74:2, "Thy congregation which Thou hast purchased of old: the rod (margin, tribes) of thine inheritance which Thou hast redeemed".