El Elyon, My Most High Redeemer

“EL” means “God”. “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 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), blessed Abram after Abram rescued his nephew, Lot, from the hands of those who had defeated Sodom. “He (Melchizedek) blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.' Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything” (Genesis 14:19-20, NIV). Abram honors God by giving Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils he has taken. The King of Sodom is so thankful that Abram has returned the spoils that were taken that he tells Abram to keep them for himself. But Abram honors God by refusing to keep what is not his. “El Elyon” is the creator and the owner of heaven and earth. His is a name that denotes great and final authority. What is offered to honor God Most High comes from what He already owns. The issue in giving now becomes one for which I am responsible. Do I honor His ownership and His authority with a sold-out heart?


Another occurrence of “El” together with “Elyon” is found in the book of Psalm. “Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again. They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer” (Psalm 78:34-35, NIV). It is sad in these two verses that the Most High Redeemer would be sought after punishment or following something that drove His people to Him looking for help in time of need. “El Elyon” is one who delivers and saves. He is one whose authority should be recognized and majesty honored. “El Elyon” has a purpose in the lives of those who honor Him. How He longs for us to honor and worship Him because we love Him, and not because we need something from Him!


God Most High reigns over all the earth in sovereignty and final authority. Because of His majesty, He deserves my highest praise and worship. He deserves my consistent love and respect‒not just when I need something from Him. He deserves my life and all that I have offered to Him from a grateful heart. 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, my Savior, and the only One who remains constant and unchanging. I pray that I always honor and allow Him to bring about His purpose in my life and to complete the work He has designed for me.