For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, (so) great is his mercy toward them that fear him - i:e., is infinite (Psalms 36:5; Psalms 57:10). "Fear" is here filial reverence toward God on the ground of His infinite holiness. This calls forth childlike and unreserved obedience to His revealed will. The Psalmist is speaking of what God is to His own people, not to mankind in general.