Today we look at the name “El
Elyon”―another of the old Testament names of God.
There is no way that I can write of all I have found so I will present what has
impressed me.
As we learned yesterday,
“EL” means “God”. Today we learn that “Elyon” literally means "Most High". When
“El” is joined with “Elyon”, this aspect of God's character means “God Most
High”. God reigns with authority and in majesty. “I will cry to God
Most High,” the psalmist wrote, “who performs on my behalf and rewards me [who
brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]” (Psalm 57:2,
AMP)! This “God Most High” moves on my behalf, and and not only brings about His
purpose for my life, but completes what He begins in me.
“El” used in conjunction with “Elyon”
first occurs in Genesis 14:18-22 where Melchizedek, a priest of God and king of
Salem (Jerusalem) was honored by Abram with a tenth of the spoils he had
taken when rescuing his nephew, Lot, from the hands of those who had defeated
Sodom. Melchizedek favors Abram with God's blessing, and refers to God as “God
Most High”. The King of Sodom is so thankful that Abram has rescued his people
from captivity, he tells Abram to keep the goods that were taken from Sodom.
“But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand and
sworn to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor and Maker of
heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a shoelace or anything that
is yours, lest you should say, I have made Abram rich'” (Genesis 4:22-23, AMP).
“El Elyon” is a name that denotes great and final authority. “El Elyon” is the
creator and the owner of heaven and earth. So what is offered to honor Him comes
from what He already owns. In these verses, “El Elyon” is the authority who is
honored by giving; He is the authority by which one blesses, and by which one
swears an oath. Another occurrence in its compound form is found in Psalm 78:35.
“And they [earnestly] remembered that God was their Rock, and the Most High God
their Redeemer” (AMP). Here “El Elyon” is one who delivers and saves. He is one
whose authority is recognized and majesty is honored. “El Elyon” has a purpose
in the lives of those who honor Him.
There are other occurrences in Bible
where “Elyon” stands alone and occurs without “El”. These occurrences are found
in the Psalms, Numbers 24:16, Deuteronomy 32:8. In Isaiah 14.:14 “Elyon”
is used as one who inspired great envy and jealously in Satan. “I will ascend
above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah
14:4, (AMP).
Whether occurring with “El” or
without “El”, the “Most High” one over all the earth reigns in sovereignty and
final authority. Because of His majesty He deserves my highest respect and
praise. I must never assume to put myself in His place, but I often do when I
make my own decisions without seeking His will. The Most High God is my judge,
and the one who has the authority to forgive me. When I come to Him in
repentance honoring His authority, He delivers and saves me from all that I have
been. He hears my cry, and moves on my behalf. He blesses and rewards me. God is
not only my high and sovereign Rock. He is my Redeemer.
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