Before answering this question specifically, allow me to say that every word of the Bible is important and has significance. I believe that the Lord chose each word very deliberately and inspired godly men by His Holy Spirit to record it precisely. Remember, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16, KJV; emphasis mine).
Therefore, I do indeed believe there is a reason why God choose to say “east to west” as opposed to “north to south.” Of course, the passage this question is based upon is Psalm 103:12, which says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Recently I attended the funeral of a family member who was a believer. The minister quoted this passage and gave an interesting explanation. He mentioned that if we travel due north, we will eventually reach a point where we will be headed south, without ever turning around. Likewise, if we travel due south, we will reach a point on earth where we will be headed north. However, we can travel east or west forever, and would never reach a point where we would suddenly be headed in the opposite direction. While north and south have a meeting point, east and west do not—they will never meet.
In some respects the answer to this question may mean more to us today than it did to those who were alive when it was originally written. Even though Isaiah wrote in verse 22 of chapter 40, referring to the Lord, “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth,” people believed the world was flat. It was not until some 500 years ago, around the time of Christopher Columbus, that man realized the world was indeed round. If the world were not round, it would not matter whether the Lord said “east to west” or “north to south.” Also, man knew nothing of the north and south poles when the precious words, “east to west,” were penned. Yet, of course, God knew these things all along, for He created it all!
So, when He chose to say “east to west,” I believe He not only knew exactly what He was saying, but also used the words to show His great love for us. What a blessing it is to have these comforting words as a love letter to us!
“As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:11-12).
What a joy it is to know His forgiveness and to know that I’ll never have to run headlong into my sins again!