Some English surnames have their origin in the occupation or description of a person. Thus, Freddie Fisher caught fish, Christopher Cook was a chef, and Billy Barber cut hair. Likewise, you can imagine the biceps of Arnold Armstrong, the height of Samuel Small, and the running speed of Steven Swift.
It is similar in Hebrew with the names of God. “El” is His name, but it is often combined with another word which may describe an attribute, such as El Olam (the everlasting God) in Genesis 21:33; an ability, such as El Roi (the God who sees me) in Genesis 16:13; or a role, such as El Yisrael (the God of Israel) in Psalm 68:35.
In Hebrew, the word “elyon” describes something that is higher or above, such as an upper house (Neh 3:25), an upper gate (2Ki 15:35), or a higher water source (2Ch 32:30). Thus, by extension, the name El Elyon means God the Most High, or the Most High God. The Psalmist expressed it clearly: “For thou, Jehovah, art the Most High above all the earth; thou art exalted exceedingly above all gods” (Psa 97:9 JND).
Abraham once called “the LORD, the most high God [El Elyon]” (Gen 14:22). And yet, demons cried, “Jesus, thou Son of the most high God” (Mar 5:7). As God’s Son, He shares the character and authority of the supreme, universal sovereign. Also, the angel spoke to Mary and identified the Holy Spirit as “the power of the Most High” (Luk 1:35 ESV). Therefore, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are uniquely linked to this title of El Elyon.
El Elyon first occurs in Genesis 14. Abram and his servants had just won a military victory against four kings who had captured Lot, Abram’s nephew. But before the king of Sodom could give Abram a victory gift, Melchizedek, the king of Salem, arrived. Look at what his interaction with Abram teaches us about El Elyon.
First, El Elyon deserves reverence. Melchizedek, “the priest of the most high God,” said, “Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth” (Gen 14:18-19).1 Wanting the best for Abram, Melchizedek could not appeal to anyone richer in kindness than the Creator who had been blessing mankind since the beginning (1:28; 5:2). A being of such magnitude and disposition deserves our highest respect.
Second, El Elyon deserves worship. Melchizedek said, “Blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand” (14:20). Thus, Abram worshiped by giving 10 percent (a tithe) of his possessions through Melchizedek as a way to give God credit for Lot’s rescue. As believers who enjoy “a great salvation” (Heb 2:3 ESV), we also should respond to the psalmist’s call, “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High” (Psa 50:14).
Third, El Elyon deserves faith. Abram refused a gift from the king of Sodom for having won the battle. He explained, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth” (Gen 14:22 NKJV). The raising of his hand was commitment to rely on God for practical provisions. He knew that El Elyon could be trusted.
So, in what sense is El Elyon supreme? Consider, for example, how He speaks. David said, “The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered his voice” (2Sa 22:14). Similarly, think of his majesty. On day four of creation, God made “the greater light to rule the day” (Gen 1:16). Being the supreme celestial light, the sun causes us to close our eyes and turn away. Should we not expect the glory of El Elyon to do the same? Job’s friend Elihu described God as “golden splendor” (Job 37:22 RV), and he concluded that “God is terrible majesty” (v22). How awesome is His authority and how pristine is His purity!
Satan, however, bitterly hates the supremacy of El Elyon. Remember, he was cast out of heaven for saying, “I will be like the most High” (Isa 14:14). In the Great Tribulation, he will motivate “the beast” to “speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High” (Dan 7:25). Today, in alliance with the world and our flesh, he fosters doubt in us against the idea of a supreme authority. How? Lord Acton, a British Historian, once said, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely,” and human history is full of displays of this axiom. But will El Elyon be different?
Earthly sovereigns have limited knowledge and can only be in one place at one time. But Stephen preached that “the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (Act 7:48). That means He is present in every place at every moment. Asaph described evil people assuming El Elyon was like earthly sovereigns. They ask, “Is there knowledge in the most High?” (Psa 73:11). But since El Elyon is omnipresent, He witnesses every thought, word and action and He is fully informed of every situation in our lives. Without question, El Elyon “is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things” (1Jn 3:20).
Earthly sovereigns are self-centered. However, David spoke of “the steadfast love of the Most High” (Psa 21:7 ESV). Never once will El Elyon think, speak or act with any motive other than love. Even the Lord Jesus spoke of “the Highest … [who] is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luk 6:35). That is why, without angst, Jeremiah asked, “Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that good and bad come?” (Lam 3:38 ESV). God’s control and love remain constant whether our experiences are sweet or sour.
The trustworthiness of El Elyon is based not only on His knowledge and love but also His authority and power. Once, a heavenly voice said to Nebuchadnezzar, “Know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Dan 4:32). Later, Daniel was informed that the world’s most powerful and wicked emperor (7:23) will arise in the future. In the end, though, who will triumph over him? “The most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him” (v27).
So, when national or world events are troubling, remember El Elyon. When making a decision, remember El Elyon. When facing a heart-breaking trial, remember El Elyon. When feeling anxious and uncertain, remember El Elyon. In all the challenges of life, may we learn to focus on and trust “the most high over all the earth” (Psa 83:18).
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV unless otherwise noted.
