Hello Beloved,
As we continue our study on Theology Proper or the Doctrine of God, we move to discuss the meaning of the compound name El-Elyon. Last month we studied the compound name for God, El-Shaddai, and this month we continue with the secondary names connected with the primary El. Of course, El is the singular of Elohim, while “elyon” is functionally a Hebrew word that is used to distinguish that which is highest in a series or order. When the meaning of this word is applied to God Himself, it takes on the connotation of ownership, sovereignty, and superiority.
El-Elyon communicates that God is the possessor of heaven and earth. Therefore, He is superior to all creation, whether animals, plants, or rocks; living and nonliving; visible and invisible, human or non-human. Because God is El-Elyon then both men, angels, and all creation are managers or stewards of what He has given, and He is the owner of all. Often, El-Elyon is translated “the Most High God,” which focuses on God’s strength and supremacy.
Consider God’s sovereignty over the nations: “. . . the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.” Deuteronomy 32:8 (ESV) God reveals His majesty as the Creator when, “The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered his voice.” 2 Samuel 22:14 (ESV) As creatures considering our disposition before the one true God, we should follow the example of David, who said, “I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.” Psalm 7:17 (ESV) When Nebuchadnezzar witnessed the miraculous preservation of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego through the fiery furnace, he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Daniel 3:26 (ESV) And for millennia, God’s children have identified with the promise of the psalmist that “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (ESV)
As the sovereign Creator, El-Elyon communicates that God owns both the celestial (heavenly) and terrestrial (earthly) world, being above all. Think about this Michael W. Smith song:
Above all powers, above all kings. Above all nature and all created things. Above all wisdom and all the ways of man. You were here before the world began. Above all kingdoms, above all thrones. Above all wonders the world has ever known. Above all wealth and treasures of the earth. There's no way to measure what You're worth.
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”