The third name of God mentioned in the Scriptures is El Elyon. In Hebrew, El means “God,” and Elyon means “most high.” So El Elyon is translated as God Most High or Most High God. As a title, El Elyon identifies God as the one who has ultimate authority over everything. He has supreme power and is the one who is entirely and perfectly in control. Even when we, or leaders in our workplaces and the world, think we are calling the shots and making things happen through our ideas and in our strength, it is actually God Most High, El Elyon, who determines all things in heaven and on earth. He is the sovereign ruler of the universe.
Even when we think we are calling the shots and making things happen through our ideas and in our strength, it is actually God Most High, El Elyon, who determines all things in heaven and on earth.
God determines countries, nations, leaders, and boundaries. Men may think it is their own power that creates such things, but it is the Most High God who allows people to be in power. In Deuteronomy it explains that “When the Most High [El Elyon] gave the nations their inheritance and divided the human race, he set the boundaries of the people…” (Deuteronomy 32:8). And in Genesis, we see it was “God Most High [El Elyon] who” brought about victory for Abram and defeated his enemies (Genesis 14:19–20). God ruled over the affairs of men in the past, and He still does today. Daniel explains this title and position of God Most High when he said, “May the name of God be praised… wisdom and power belong to him. He changes the times and seasons; he removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:20–21).
We also see the sovereignty of God Most High described in the following passages:
“[God] has sworn: As I have purposed, so it will be; as I have planned it, so it will happen… [God] himself has planned it; therefore, who can stand in its way? It is his hand that is outstretched, so who can turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:24, 27).
“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one is like me. I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will… Yes, I have spoken; so I will also bring it about. I have planned it; I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:9–11).
“See now that I alone am he; there is no God but me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal. No one can rescue anyone from my power” (Deuteronomy 32:39).
This may seem shocking. But to those who know and love God, this is extremely reassuring. God Most High, El Elyon, is in control, and nothing in this world can happen without His say-so. No person, demon, angel, ruler, or power can mess up His plan, even if it may seem like it in the moment. Think about when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery; it seemed bad, but God allowed it for the ultimate good, to preserve the lives of many people. He sees the bigger picture and has our good in mind. This realization helps us understand and trust the truth that “all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). We can rest in the knowledge that God Most High, El Elyon, is sovereign over all things.
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