Elyon / Most High

For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.

Elyon / Most High
(pronounced: "el -YONE")


He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty...
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid ...
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you ...
~ Psalms 91:1,4-5,9-10 (NKJV)

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem ...! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"
~ Matthew 23:37 (NKJV)

Various anecdotes tell of a man who walks through the site of a recent fire and finds the remains of a charred bird, still fixed in a position with partially outstretched wings. The curious man prods the remains with his foot, and live baby birds scamper out. The mother had instinctively gathered her own under her wings to protect them, even at the cost of her life.

This is the foremost image of the Most High—a refuge of protection hovering over His people to cover them with "His feathers." Under His wings is a place of security not unlike His arms [see yesterday's post] for those who choose to abide with Him. Numerous Psalms praise the Most High for His defense from other nations, from His elevated position, looking down upon all nations of the earth.

The Most High is above all authorities, of earth and of heaven. This name is used in several contexts where either the audience or those spoken of are non-Israelites, who worship other gods. Even polytheists recognize a supreme God above all others. He is called God Most High.

Several other passages speak of the Most High in the context of various acts related to creation. To create, the Creator stood Most High, outside and above His creation.

Just before the beloved John 3:16 passage, Jesus describes the ultimate place of elevation for God Most High with the words: "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:13-15 NKJV)

In these final days of running to and fro—if you've a moment more to tarry—meditate on this last definitive description of the Most High, Who shall carry us through the earth's last dark hours.

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.

Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Psalm 46 (NKJV)

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