El Elyon – God Most High

In Genesis 14, reference is made to an unusual man called Melchizedek. He was priest of God Most High and he proceeded to bless Abram by using this divine name. Later in the incident Abram acknowledged that he had been blessed by God Most High. On both occasions when this divine name is mentioned, he is also said to be the Possessor of heaven and earth.  

This title stresses the uniqueness of the true God. At the time of Abraham, people generally believed in local deities, gods who governed an area of ground, whether large or small. In contrast to that notion, Melchizedek and Abraham believed in the true God and one feature of his existence is that he possesses all things. He cannot cease to have all things as his possession because no creature can take anything from him by force. 

This name of God does not merely mean that God is above us. Given who we are, with all our limitations, it would not take very much to be above us in power and abilities. We could say that angels are higher than us. But even they do not come near the exalted heights where God lives. God cannot be any higher than he is, and there is an infinite gap between him and the greatest of his creatures. 

The title also affirms the kindness of God. Although he possesses all things, he is not selfish. He gives to those who trust in him, as Abram affirmed when he refused to accept anything from the king of Sodom. Abram had discovered through a range of experiences that the God who possesses all the resources in heaven and earth had helped hem. Since he had this God on his side, he was safe and secure. 

There is a wonderful verse in Psalm 91:1. Before reading it, remind yourself of the incredible eminence of God. Now reflect on this statement: ‘He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.’ In that verse, a believer dwells with El Elyon and El Shaddai. The Most High is our protector and the All-sufficient is our provider. A shelter for every storm and a shade from every oppression.  

Although God be high, he regards the lowly (Psalm 138:6). The existence of greatness reminds us of our insignificance. When I see the Queen, I am reminded that I am a subject. When I see the God of the heights, I am reminded that I am a creature of earth. Yet I can cast all my cares on him, both because he is big enough to take them all and because he cares enough to take them all.