Definition and Overview:
Exaltation, in a biblical context, refers to the act of being elevated in rank, power, or character. It is often associated with divine favor and the fulfillment of God's purposes. From the beginning of Scripture, the theme of exaltation is evident, illustrating God's sovereign plan to elevate those who are humble and faithful to His will.

Biblical Instances and Themes:

1. Creation and the Exaltation of Humanity:
In the Genesis account, humanity is exalted above all creation. Genesis 1:26-28 states, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.'" This passage highlights the unique position of humans as stewards of creation, reflecting God's image and authority.

2. The Fall and the Promise of Redemption:
Although the fall of man in Genesis 3 brought sin and separation from God, the promise of redemption and future exaltation is evident. Genesis 3:15 contains the protoevangelium, the first gospel promise, where God declares enmity between the serpent and the woman, and between their offspring. This foreshadows the ultimate exaltation of Christ, who would crush the serpent's head.

3. The Patriarchs and Divine Favor:
The lives of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, demonstrate God's pattern of exalting those who trust in Him. Abraham's faith is credited as righteousness (Genesis 15:6), and he is promised that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. Jacob, despite his flaws, is renamed Israel, meaning "he struggles with God," and is exalted as the father of the twelve tribes.

4. Joseph's Rise to Power:
Joseph's account is a profound example of exaltation through suffering and faithfulness. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph remains faithful to God, and through a series of divinely orchestrated events, he is exalted to the position of second-in-command in Egypt (Genesis 41:41-44). His rise to power not only saves Egypt but also preserves the lineage of Israel.

5. Moses and the Deliverance of Israel:
Moses, initially a fugitive, is chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His exaltation is marked by his role as a prophet and leader, through whom God performs miraculous signs and wonders. Exodus 14:31 records, "When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses."

6. David and the Establishment of the Kingdom:
David's anointing as king, despite his humble beginnings as a shepherd, exemplifies God's principle of exalting the lowly. 1 Samuel 16:13 describes Samuel anointing David, and the Spirit of the LORD coming powerfully upon him. David's reign is characterized by his heart for God, and he is promised an eternal dynasty, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

7. The Prophets and the Promise of a Messiah:
The prophets consistently speak of a coming Messiah who will be exalted above all. Isaiah 52:13 proclaims, "Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted." This prophecy points to Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection fulfill the ultimate act of exaltation.

8. Christ's Exaltation:
The New Testament reveals the culmination of exaltation in the person of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9-11 states, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Christ's exaltation is the foundation of Christian hope and the assurance of believers' future exaltation with Him.

Conclusion:
The theme of exaltation from the beginning of Scripture underscores God's sovereign plan to elevate those who are humble and faithful. Through the narratives of creation, the patriarchs, and the life of Christ, the Bible reveals a consistent pattern of divine exaltation, culminating in the ultimate exaltation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.