Topical Encyclopedia
Exaltation of GodThe exaltation of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing His supreme authority, majesty, and holiness. God's exaltation is not merely a matter of human acknowledgment but an intrinsic aspect of His divine nature. The Scriptures frequently call upon believers to recognize and proclaim God's exalted status.
In the Psalms, the exaltation of God is a recurring theme.
Psalm 46:10 declares, "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This verse underscores God's sovereign rule over all creation and His ultimate triumph over worldly powers. Similarly,
Psalm 57:5 states, "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth." Here, the psalmist expresses a desire for God's glory to be universally acknowledged.
The prophet Isaiah also speaks of God's exaltation, particularly in
Isaiah 6:1 , where he describes his vision of the Lord: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple." This vision highlights God's holiness and the reverence due to Him.
In the New Testament, the exaltation of God is closely linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:9-11 proclaims, "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." This passage reveals that Christ's exaltation is part of God's redemptive plan, bringing glory to the Father.
Strength of GodThe strength of God is another fundamental attribute, reflecting His omnipotence and ability to accomplish His will. God's strength is often depicted in the context of His creation, providence, and deliverance of His people.
In the Old Testament, God's strength is celebrated in the song of Moses, found in
Exodus 15:2 : "The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him." This song, sung after the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, attributes their salvation to God's mighty power.
The Psalms frequently extol God's strength.
Psalm 18:1-2 declares, "I love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." These verses portray God as a reliable source of strength and protection for those who trust in Him.
In the New Testament, the strength of God is evident in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:10 encourages believers, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." This exhortation reflects the belief that God's strength is available to His people, enabling them to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.
The Apostle Paul also speaks of God's strength in
2 Corinthians 12:9 , where he recounts God's response to his plea for relief from a "thorn in the flesh": "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." This passage illustrates that God's strength is made perfect in human weakness, demonstrating His ability to work through and beyond human limitations.
Throughout the Bible, God's exaltation and strength are intertwined, revealing a God who is both transcendent and immanent, worthy of worship and trust.