Highest
The Most High God in the Old Testament
The title "Most High" or "Highest" translates the Hebrew word Elyon, one of the most important names for God in the Old Testament. It first appears when Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blessed Abraham after his victory over the four kings (Genesis 14:18-20). Abraham then swore an oath to "the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth" (Genesis 14:22), identifying the Most High God with the covenant God of Israel. The title emphasizes God's absolute supremacy over all other powers, whether earthly or heavenly.
The Psalms make extensive use of this title. "The Most High gave his voice" (Psalm 18:13); "The Most High himself shall establish her" (Psalm 87:5); "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1). Daniel, writing from the context of Babylonian exile, repeatedly uses the title to assert God's sovereignty over the pagan empires: "The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes" (Daniel 4:17, 25, 32).
The Highest in the New Testament
The Greek equivalent, hupsistos, carries the same meaning of supreme elevation and is used prominently in Luke's Gospel. The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that her son would be called "the Son of the Most High" (Luke 1:32) and that "the power of the Most High" would overshadow her (Luke 1:35). Zechariah prophesied that his son John would be called "the prophet of the Most High" (Luke 1:76). Jesus instructed his followers to love their enemies so that they would be "children of the Most High" (Luke 6:35). These passages establish a direct connection between the God of Israel's ancient title and the new work he was doing through Jesus Christ.
Glory in the Highest
The phrase "in the highest" appears in some of the most celebrated passages of the New Testament. At Jesus' birth, the angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14). During Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the crowds shouted, "Hosanna in the highest heaven!" (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:10). As Jesus approached Jerusalem for the last time, the whole crowd of disciples praised God, saying, "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38). In each case, "the highest" refers to the highest heaven, the dwelling place of God himself, from which all blessing and glory flow.
The Highest and Human Ambition
Jesus used the language of "highest" to challenge human ambition and social climbing. He taught that when invited to a banquet, one should not take the highest place at the table, lest someone more distinguished arrive and the host ask you to move lower (Luke 14:8-10). He also criticized the religious leaders who loved "the most important seats in the synagogues" (Luke 20:46). By contrast, the way to true honor in God's kingdom is through humility: "For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted" (Luke 14:11).
The Sovereignty of the Most High
The title "Highest" or "Most High" ultimately declares that God occupies the supreme position in the universe, above every ruler, every spiritual power, and every rival claim to authority. When Nebuchadnezzar was humbled for his pride, he finally acknowledged that "the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth" (Daniel 4:32). The writer of Ecclesiastes observed that "if you see the poor oppressed... do not be surprised, for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still" (Ecclesiastes 5:8), pointing ultimately to the God who stands above all earthly hierarchies.
Biblical Context
The title Most High (Elyon) appears across the Psalms, Daniel, Genesis, and other Old Testament books. In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent (hupsistos) features prominently in Luke's birth and infancy narratives (Luke 1:32, 35, 76; 2:14), in Jesus' teaching (Luke 6:35), and in the triumphal entry acclamations (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:10). The phrase 'in the highest' refers to the highest heaven as God's domain.
Theological Significance
The title 'Highest' or 'Most High' is a foundational assertion of monotheism, declaring that the God of Israel is supreme over all rivals. In a polytheistic world where nations claimed their gods held supreme power, this title made an exclusive claim. In the New Testament, its application to the Father of Jesus Christ connects the God of Abraham and David to the new covenant. The birth narratives' use of the title frames the incarnation as the act of the sovereign God of all creation, not merely a local deity.
Historical Background
The title Elyon has parallels in Canaanite religion, where El Elyon appears as a divine epithet. The Melchizedek episode in Genesis 14 may reflect the appropriation of this Canaanite title for Israel's God. By the time of the Psalms and Daniel, the title was firmly established as a way to assert God's supremacy over all other gods and powers. In the Greco-Roman world, the title 'Most High God' (Theos Hupsistos) was used by both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and inscriptions bearing this title have been found throughout the Mediterranean region.