The Object of the Angels’ Exaltation

Given that subḥānak is the exaltation of God from faults and deficiencies, the question arises: What is the specific deficiency that God is being exalted from in this case? In other words, what exactly is the object of exaltation?

In response, it may be said that the object of exaltation is preferring the inferior over the superior, preferring one of two equals over the other, or unjust discrimination. After God’s examination and clarification of Ādam’s worthiness and their own lack of capability and aptitude, the angels realized that not being taught the names was not due to withholding grace, but rather because they did not have the capability and were not suited to be direct students of God. Subḥānak means that You are exalted above miserliness and above withholding vicegerency or knowledge when the capability and aptitude for it exist.

It is also possible that the object of exaltation is the angels becoming aware of the unseen (the names) without God’s instruction; meaning, You are exalted above us gaining knowledge of the names without Your instruction.(289) This possibility is supported by the next sentence, which states: “We only have knowledge of what You have taught us.”

Additionally, it is possible that the object of exaltation is acting without wisdom; meaning, after they realized through God’s examination the wisdom of God in assigning vicegerency to Ādam, they said: You are exalted above acting without reason and unwisely.(290) This possibility is also supported by the expression “Indeed, You are the Knowing, the Wise” at the end of the verse.