The Most High God

After Abraham rescued his nephew Lot from four invading kings, he was met by two friendly local kings: the king of Sodom and the king of Salem, who was named Melchizedek. They met him for a formal ceremony in a place called “the king’s dale” (Genesis 14:17). There are a lot of kings in this chapter!

Melchizedek was not only a king but also “the priest of the most high God.” In his priestly role, he “brought forth bread and wine,” blessed Abraham, and received tithes from him. In his brief remarks, he twice used the title “the most high God” (Genesis 14:18-20).

Abraham provided a subtle clarification. Addressing himself to the king of Sodom, he said:

I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,

Genesis 14:22

The Hebrew name translated as “the Lord” in this passage (and most places in the Old Testament) is YHWH, which is transliterated in English as “Jehovah.” Abraham affirmed Melchizedek’s claim that God is above all things while specifically naming Him: Jehovah, the Lord of heaven and earth. (see Hymns, 269).

Many years later, the prophet Daniel used this title repeatedly to emphasize God’s supremacy when speaking to Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar, powerful kings of Babylon.

After the Nephites defeated a vast and intimidating army of robbers, “they did break forth, all as one, in singing, and praising their God.” They shouted, “Hosanna to the Most High God,” and “Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the Most High God” (3 Nephi 4:31-32).

Twelve years later, some of those same people saw Jesus Christ descend from heaven after His resurrection. Instinctively, joyfully, and reverently, they shouted the same words they had used to celebrate victory in battle:

Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God!

3 Nephi 11:17

Then, they fell at the Savior’s feet. They knew they were in the presence of the very God who had delivered them from their enemies.

The title “Most High God” reminds us that the God who governs all nations also knows and loves His children in every part of the world. After sharing a meaningful experience with church members in Ghana, Elder Ronald A. Rasband said, “So it has been on continents and islands all around the world. My heart and soul, like yours, longs to shout, ‘Hosanna to the Most High God'” (“Hosanna to the Most High God,” April 2023 general conference).

Today I will follow Abraham’s example, reaffirming my trust in the Most High God. However powerful earthly leaders may seem, God surpasses them all. However numerous and diverse the people on earth, He knows and loves them all.