El Elyon: Trusting the Most High in Our Battles
Summary
The name El Elyon, God Most High, reveals the supremacy and sovereignty of God over all things—over every power, every idol, every enemy, and even over ourselves. From the earliest pages of Scripture, God is shown to be exalted above all so-called “gods,” whether they are spiritual forces, idols, or the things we allow to rule our lives. In Genesis 14, Melchizedek, the mysterious priest-king, blesses Abram in the name of El Elyon after a miraculous victory, reminding us that God alone delivers and sustains. This theme continues throughout the Bible, as seen in the life of David, who, despite facing overwhelming enemies—national, personal, spiritual, and physical—testifies that God Most High is his refuge and deliverer.
Life is filled with enemies and battles that are too great for us: opposition from others, spiritual warfare, the brokenness of our own hearts, and the inevitability of sickness and death. David’s story is a reminder that victory is not found in our own strength, nor in denial, distraction, substances, or even in other people. True refuge is found only in God Most High. Yet, even David, a man after God’s own heart, struggled with the temptation to take matters into his own hands, as seen in his dealings with Shammai. The urge for revenge is strong, but God calls us to trust Him with justice and to resist the urge to play God in our own lives.
Taking refuge in God means turning to Him by faith, trusting Him with our cares, and continually surrendering our anxieties and burdens to Him. This is not a one-time act but a daily, sometimes moment-by-moment, choice. It is often harder to trust God with the people we love than with ourselves, but faith means believing that God is not only able but also good and loving toward us and those we care about.
Finally, El Elyon is not only higher than our enemies—He is higher than us. The story of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 is a sobering reminder that pride leads to downfall, but humility before God leads to restoration. We are not God; He alone is Most High. Our call is to humble ourselves, acknowledge His supremacy, and trust His ways—even when we do not understand them. The cross of Christ is the ultimate demonstration that God Most High cares for us, offering us eternal refuge and hope.
Key Takeaways
- God Most High is Supreme Over All Powers
El Elyon is not just a title; it is a declaration that God is above every other power, authority, or idol—seen or unseen. No matter what spiritual, emotional, or physical enemies we face, none can rival His authority or ability to deliver. This truth calls us to worship Him alone and to reject the false gods that vie for our allegiance. [03:34]
- Our Enemies Are Too Mighty for Us, But Not for God
David’s life illustrates that we will inevitably face enemies—national, personal, spiritual, and physical—that are beyond our ability to overcome. The key is not to deny their power, but to recognize our need for God’s intervention and to take refuge in Him. Victory comes not from our own strength, but from trusting in the God who is mightier than all our adversaries. [09:17]
- False Refuges Cannot Bear the Weight of Our Struggles
When confronted with hardship, we are tempted to seek refuge in denial, distraction, substances, relationships, or revenge. These solutions may offer temporary relief but ultimately fail to deliver us. Only God Most High can bear the full weight of our burdens and provide true peace and deliverance. [16:26]
- The Temptation to Take Justice Into Our Own Hands
Even those who know God deeply, like David, can fall into the trap of seeking revenge or control rather than trusting God with justice. The call is to resist the urge to “play God” and instead surrender our desire for retribution, believing that God’s justice and timing are perfect. This is a continual act of faith and humility. [27:39]
- Humility Before God Most High is the Path to Restoration
Nebuchadnezzar’s story is a warning against pride and self-sufficiency. God alone is Most High, and He will humble those who exalt themselves. True wisdom is to acknowledge our limitations, humble ourselves before God, and trust His ways—even when they are mysterious or difficult. The cross is the ultimate proof that God Most High loves us and is worthy of our trust. [37:11]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:34] - The First Mention of El Elyon: Abram and Melchizedek
[04:42] - Melchizedek’s Blessing and God’s Power
[06:42] - David’s Song: God’s Deliverance from Enemies
[09:17] - The Four Types of Enemies We Face
[11:53] - Spiritual Warfare: The Enemy Within and Without
[12:58] - Physical Enemies: Sickness, Death, and Suffering
[15:38] - Taking Refuge in God vs. False Solutions
[16:26] - False Refuges: Denial, Distraction, Substances, People, Revenge
[19:46] - The Temptation of Revenge: David and Shammai
[20:45] - David’s Restraint and Shammai’s Plea for Mercy
[23:20] - David’s Return and Shammai’s Pardon
[25:23] - David’s Final Instructions: The Struggle with Revenge
[26:41] - How to Take Refuge in God Most High
[28:51] - Trusting God with Our Cares and Loved Ones
[31:38] - God is Higher Than You: The Story of Nebuchadnezzar
[32:28] - Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride and Humbling
[34:30] - El Elyon Above All Other Gods
[35:23] - Nebuchadnezzar’s Downfall and Restoration
[37:11] - Humility, Trust, and the Cross of Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: El Elyon – God Most High
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### Bible Reading
Genesis 14:17-20 (ESV)
> After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
2 Samuel 22:1, 14, 17-20, 29-31 (ESV)
> And David spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. ... The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered his voice. ... He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. ... For you are my lamp, O LORD, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
Daniel 4:34-37 (ESV)
> At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” ... Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 14, who is Melchizedek and what does he declare about God when he meets Abram?
2. According to David’s song in 2 Samuel 22, what kinds of enemies did David face, and how did he describe God’s role in his victories? [06:42]
3. What was Nebuchadnezzar’s attitude before and after his humbling experience in Daniel 4? How does he describe God Most High at the end? [34:30]
4. In the sermon, what are some of the “false refuges” people turn to instead of God? [16:26]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Melchizedek’s blessing in Genesis 14 is significant for understanding who God is? What does it mean that God is “Possessor of heaven and earth”?
2. David says his enemies were “too mighty for me.” What does this reveal about his dependence on God, and how does this challenge the idea of self-sufficiency? [09:17]
3. The sermon mentions that even David, a man after God’s own heart, struggled with the temptation for revenge. What does this teach us about the ongoing struggle to trust God with justice? [26:41]
4. Nebuchadnezzar’s story is used as a warning against pride. What does his experience teach about the dangers of self-exaltation and the importance of humility before God? [35:23]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon lists several “enemies” we face: national, personal, spiritual, and physical. Which of these do you most relate to right now, and how have you tried to handle them in your own strength? [09:17]
2. When you face hardship, where are you most tempted to seek refuge—denial, distraction, substances, relationships, or revenge? Can you share a recent example, and what would it look like to turn to God Most High instead? [16:26]
3. The urge to take justice into our own hands is strong, especially when we’ve been wronged. Is there a situation in your life where you’re struggling to let go of revenge or control? What would it mean to trust God with that situation? [27:39]
4. The sermon says it’s often harder to trust God with the people we love than with ourselves. Is there someone you’re anxious about right now? How can you practically surrender that person to God in prayer this week? [28:51]
5. David’s story shows that taking refuge in God is not a one-time act but a daily choice. What are some daily habits or reminders you could put in place to help you turn to God when anxiety or fear rises? [28:51]
6. Nebuchadnezzar’s pride led to his downfall, but humility brought restoration. Are there areas in your life where you’re tempted to “play God” or rely on your own wisdom? How can you practice humility before God this week? [37:11]
7. The cross is described as the ultimate proof that God Most High cares for us. How does remembering the cross help you trust God’s goodness and power, especially when life doesn’t make sense? [37:11]
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Devotional
Day 1: God Most High: Exalted Above All Powers and Idols
The name El Elyon, “God Most High,” reveals that there is no power, idol, or force—spiritual or physical—that can compare to the Lord. He is exalted far above all so-called “gods,” whether they are the idols of our culture, the spiritual forces of evil, or the temptations that seek to rule our hearts. In a world filled with competing allegiances and distractions, it is vital to remember that God alone is the Creator, the One who made you in His image, and the One who reigns over all. No matter what you face, you can rest in the truth that the Most High God is sovereign and supreme. [03:34]
Psalm 97:9 (ESV)
For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
Reflection: What is one “small g” god—an idol, habit, or fear—that you are tempted to let rule your heart? How can you intentionally acknowledge God as Most High over that area today?
Day 2: God’s Power to Deliver: Trusting El Elyon in the Face of Overwhelming Enemies
Throughout history, God has shown Himself to be more powerful than any enemy His people face. Like Abram’s victory over the four kings and David’s deliverance from his foes, we all encounter enemies—national, personal, spiritual, and physical—that are too mighty for us. Yet, God Most High is able to rescue, protect, and give victory when we take refuge in Him. No matter how insurmountable your challenges may seem, you are invited to trust in the God who is greater than every adversary and who delights to deliver those who call on His name. [09:17]
2 Samuel 22:17-20, 29-31 (ESV)
He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.
For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
Reflection: What is one “enemy” (challenge, temptation, or fear) that feels too strong for you right now? What would it look like to take refuge in God instead of relying on your own strength or other solutions?
Day 3: The Temptation of Revenge: Choosing God’s Way Over Retaliation
When we are wronged, the urge to take matters into our own hands and seek revenge can be powerful. Even David, a man after God’s own heart, struggled with this—showing mercy to Shammai in one moment, but later instructing his son to punish him. God calls us to trust Him with justice, refusing to let bitterness or vengeance take root in our hearts. Instead, we are to turn to God, trust in His timing, and take our cares to Him, believing that He alone is the righteous Judge who will make all things right. [27:39]
Romans 12:19 (ESV)
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Reflection: Is there someone who has wronged you that you are tempted to “pay back” in some way? What step can you take today to release that desire for revenge and entrust the situation to God?
Day 4: Humility Before the Most High: Recognizing God Is Higher Than You
Pride can subtly convince us that we are in control, but the story of Nebuchadnezzar reminds us that God alone is Most High. No matter our achievements or influence, we are called to humble ourselves, acknowledge God’s sovereignty, and trust His ways—even when we don’t understand them. True humility is saying, “There is a God, and I am not Him,” and choosing to submit to His plan, knowing that His wisdom and love far surpass our own. [37:11]
Daniel 4:34-37 (ESV)
At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
Reflection: Where are you tempted to rely on your own strength or wisdom instead of humbling yourself before God? How can you practice humility and trust in God’s plan today?
Day 5: Taking Refuge in God: Turning, Trusting, and Casting Your Cares
To truly experience the protection and peace of El Elyon, we must actively turn to Him by faith, trust in His goodness, and bring our cares to Him in prayer. This means letting go of self-reliance, anxiety, and the urge to control outcomes—especially for those we love. God invites you to cast all your anxieties on Him, believing that He cares for you and will provide what you need. As you continually turn, trust, and take your cares to God, you will find that His peace guards your heart and mind, even in the midst of life’s fiercest battles. [28:51]
1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Reflection: What is one specific worry or burden you are carrying today—especially for someone you love—that you need to bring to God in prayer? Will you take a moment now to give it to Him and trust Him with the outcome?
Quotes
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