Understanding El Elyon: God's Supremacy and Personal Care

 

Summary

In the exploration of the nature of El Elyon, as depicted in Genesis 14:18-23, there is a profound reflection on the character and supremacy of God. El Elyon, translated as "Most High God," is a title that signifies God's ultimate authority and preeminence above all other spiritual entities and deities. This title is not only a declaration of God's sovereignty but also a reassurance of His active involvement in the affairs of humanity and the cosmos.

The concept of the Divine Council, as presented in the Bible, particularly in Psalm 82, suggests a more complex spiritual realm than is commonly perceived. This council consists of lesser spiritual beings appointed by God to administer justice and maintain order on Earth. However, these beings failed in their duties, showing partiality to the wicked and neglecting justice for the weak and needy. As a result, God pronounces judgment upon them, declaring that despite their lofty status, they will die like mortals.

This narrative extends to the Tower of Babel incident in Genesis 11, where humanity's disobedience leads to the dispersion of nations and the assignment of these nations to various members of the Divine Council. Deuteronomy 32:8-9 offers insight into this event, suggesting that the division of humanity was in accordance with the number of divine beings on this council. However, God reserved a people for Himself, Israel, through whom He would bring forth a Messiah to redeem not only Israel but all nations.

The story of Hagar, the Egyptian servant of Sarai, further illustrates the personal nature of God. In her distress, Hagar encounters the angel of the Lord and recognizes God as El Roi, "the God who sees me." This encounter highlights God's intimate concern for the individual, even in the midst of complex divine-human interactions.

The narrative then shifts to the encounter between Melchizedek, king of Salem, and Abram (later Abraham). Melchizedek, a priest of God Most High, blesses Abram, acknowledging God's deliverance of Abram's enemies into his hands. Abram's response, a refusal to accept goods from the king of Sodom, is an oath to God Most High, emphasizing his allegiance and gratitude to God alone.

The term Elohim, used extensively in the Old Testament, is another name for God that carries significant weight. While it is a plural form, it may indicate the intensity of God's majesty or hint at the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. The use of specific names for God by the Israelites, such as El Shaddai and El Roi, reflects their understanding of God's character and their relationship with Him.

In summary, the nature of El Elyon encompasses God's supreme authority, His judgment over the Divine Council, His personal engagement with individuals, and His ultimate plan of redemption through the lineage of Abram. This understanding challenges simplistic views of the spiritual realm and invites a deeper contemplation of the multifaceted nature of God's interaction with His creation.

Key Takeaways:

- The title El Elyon, meaning "Most High God," encapsulates the supreme authority of God over all other spiritual entities and deities. This title reassures believers of God's sovereignty and His active role in the governance of the world, affirming that no other power, whether spiritual or earthly, surpasses His dominion. [16:56]

- The Divine Council, a biblical concept, introduces a complexity to the spiritual realm that goes beyond the traditional dichotomy of angels and demons. It suggests a structured hierarchy of spiritual beings with assigned roles in administering justice on Earth, roles which they ultimately fail, leading to God's judgment upon them. [18:22]

- The story of Hagar and her recognition of God as El Roi, "the God who sees me," illustrates the deeply personal nature of God's care for individuals. It serves as a reminder that in moments of despair and isolation, God is intimately aware of and involved in the struggles of every person. [13:48]

- The encounter between Melchizedek and Abram highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring God as the source of victory and provision. Abram's refusal to accept goods from the king of Sodom, in favor of attributing his success to God Most High, sets a precedent for attributing all blessings and triumphs to God's grace and power. [16:11]

- The use of specific names for God by the Israelites, such as Elohim, El Shaddai, and El Roi, reflects a nuanced understanding of His character and attributes. These names convey the multifaceted nature of God's relationship with humanity, from His creative power to His nurturing presence, and invite believers to engage with Him on a deeper level. [07:43]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 14:18-23 - The encounter between Melchizedek and Abram.
2. Psalm 82 - The Divine Council and God's judgment on lesser spiritual beings.
3. Deuteronomy 32:8-9 - The division of nations and the assignment to the Divine Council.

#### Observation Questions
1. What title does Melchizedek use to refer to God in Genesis 14:18-23, and what does it signify? ([15:26])
2. According to Psalm 82, what responsibilities were given to the members of the Divine Council, and how did they fail? ([20:55])
3. In Deuteronomy 32:8-9, what event is described, and how does it relate to the Divine Council? ([28:01])
4. How does Hagar's encounter with God in Genesis 16:13 illustrate God's personal nature? ([13:48])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the title "El Elyon" reveal about God's authority and relationship with other spiritual beings? ([16:56])
2. How does the concept of the Divine Council challenge or expand traditional views of the spiritual realm? ([18:22])
3. In what ways does the story of Hagar and her naming of God as "El Roi" provide comfort and assurance to believers today? ([13:48])
4. How does Abram's refusal to accept goods from the king of Sodom reflect his faith and allegiance to God Most High? ([16:11])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the title "El Elyon," how does acknowledging God's supreme authority impact your daily decisions and actions? ([16:56])
2. Considering the failures of the Divine Council in Psalm 82, how can you ensure that you are promoting justice and righteousness in your community? ([20:55])
3. When have you experienced a moment where you felt seen by God, similar to Hagar's experience with "El Roi"? How did that change your perspective or actions? ([13:48])
4. Abram attributed his victory and success to God Most High and refused to take credit or material gain from others. How can you practice giving God credit for your successes in your personal and professional life? ([16:11])
5. The Israelites used specific names for God to reflect their understanding of His character. What name or attribute of God resonates most with you right now, and how can you incorporate that understanding into your prayer life? ([07:43])
6. How does the understanding of God's ultimate plan of redemption through Abram's lineage influence your view of God's involvement in history and your personal life? ([33:01])
7. In what ways can you be more aware of God's intimate concern for you, especially in times of distress or uncertainty? ([13:48])

Devotional

Day 1: Sovereignty of the Most High
The title El Elyon, "Most High God," encapsulates God's unrivaled authority over all creation. It is a powerful reminder that no matter what challenges or spiritual forces one faces, God's sovereignty reigns supreme. This assurance allows believers to trust in God's ultimate control and perfect will for the world. [16:56]

Daniel 4:34-35 - "At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: 'What have you done?'"
Reflection: How does acknowledging God's sovereignty over every aspect of your life change the way you face your current challenges?

Day 2: Understanding the Divine Council
The Divine Council reveals a complex spiritual hierarchy, indicating that God's governance involves a council of spiritual beings. These beings, however, failed in their duties, leading to God's judgment. This understanding broadens the perspective on how justice and order are administered in the spiritual realm. [18:22]

Psalm 89:5-7 - "The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him."
Reflection: How does the concept of the Divine Council shape your view of God's justice and the spiritual order?

Day 3: God's Personal Nature in Our Lives
The story of Hagar encountering God as El Roi, "the God who sees me," is a testament to God's intimate concern for each individual. It serves as a reminder that God is not distant but is deeply involved in the personal struggles and moments of despair that one may face. [13:48]

Genesis 16:13-14 - "She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,' for she said, 'I have now seen the One who sees me.' That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered."
Reflection: In what situation do you need to be reminded that God sees you and is intimately involved in your life?

Day 4: Honoring God as the Source of Blessings
Abram's encounter with Melchizedek and his subsequent refusal to accept goods from the king of Sodom exemplify the importance of recognizing God as the source of all victories and provisions. This sets a precedent for believers to attribute their successes to God's grace and power. [16:11]

Hebrews 7:1-2 - "This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means 'king of righteousness'; then also, 'king of Salem' means 'king of peace.'"
Reflection: Can you identify a recent success or blessing in your life? How can you honor God as the source of that blessing today?

Day 5: Engaging with God's Multifaceted Nature
The use of various names for God by the Israelites, such as Elohim, El Shaddai, and El Roi, reflects their deep understanding of His character. These names invite believers to engage with God on a deeper level, recognizing His power, provision, and presence in their lives. [07:43]

Exodus 6:3 - "I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord, I did not make myself fully known to them."
Reflection: What aspect of God's character do you need to engage with more deeply, and how can you seek to understand Him better in your daily walk?

Quotes

1) "The most high God who calls people all people by the way everywhere regardless of your race... to worship him and him alone." [35:21] (Download)

2) "The Bible describes much more than simply angels and demons in the spiritual realm... the Council of lesser Spiritual Beings that God set in place to administrate things in the Heavenly Realm." [26:11] (Download)

3) "God is saying to these lesser Spiritual Beings... 'nevertheless like men you shall die and fall like any Prince'... judgment's coming and you're going to die just like a man." [23:02] (Download)

4) "The most high God or God most high... is an indication that God is the greatest of anything that might otherwise be called a god." [16:56] (Download)

5) "God makes himself known by the word Elohim as the Lord of intense and extensive glory and richness as he exercises his preeminence and Power in the created Cosmos." [06:58] (Download)

6) "Hagar responded by calling God a very specific name... El Roy... the God who sees me... he's the God who sees you." [13:48] (Download)

7) "God has taken his place in the Divine Council... he holds judgment... how long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked." [20:16] (Download)

8) "God would have a people all for himself... it was through Abram that God sent a messiah to save all of the other nations of the earth." [32:18] (Download)

9) "I believe that the most high God who created all the things in the spiritual Realm... appointed some of them to Divine counsel to administer and influence the Affairs of Earth." [34:51] (Download)

10) "God... divided them according to the number of the sons of God on his Divine counsel... he gave them over to those sons of God." [29:22] (Download)

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Transcript
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