The term "The Exalted of the Earth" is a phrase that reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the elevation of those who are righteous and humble in His sight. This concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the divine principle that God exalts the humble and brings low the proud.

Biblical References and Themes

1. Divine Sovereignty and Justice: The Bible frequently emphasizes that God is the ultimate authority over all creation, and He exercises His sovereignty by exalting those who are faithful and humble. In 1 Samuel 2:7-8 , Hannah's prayer acknowledges this truth: "The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; He seats them with princes and bestows on them a throne of honor."

2. The Humble and the Righteous: The exaltation of the humble is a recurring theme in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 23:12 , Jesus states, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This principle is further illustrated in the Beatitudes, where Jesus blesses the meek, promising that they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

3. Prophetic Fulfillment: The prophets also speak of a time when God will exalt His people. Isaiah 2:2 prophesies, "In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it." This imagery of elevation signifies the exaltation of God's kingdom and His people.

4. The Role of Faith and Obedience: The exaltation of individuals and nations is often linked to their faithfulness and obedience to God. In James 4:10 , believers are encouraged, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This call to humility and submission to God's will is a prerequisite for being lifted up by Him.

5. Eschatological Hope: The ultimate exaltation of the righteous is a key aspect of eschatological hope in the Bible. Revelation 3:21 promises, "To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne." This promise of exaltation is extended to those who remain faithful to Christ until the end.

Historical and Theological Context

Throughout biblical history, the exaltation of individuals and nations serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and justice. The accounts of Joseph, David, and Daniel, among others, illustrate how God raises the humble to positions of influence and authority. These narratives underscore the belief that God honors those who honor Him, regardless of their initial status or circumstances.

Theologically, the concept of exaltation is closely tied to the character of God as just and merciful. It reflects His desire to uplift those who align themselves with His purposes and live according to His commandments. This divine principle is a source of encouragement for believers, assuring them that their faithfulness will be rewarded in due time.

Practical Implications for Believers

For contemporary believers, the theme of exaltation serves as a reminder to live humbly and righteously, trusting in God's timing and justice. It encourages a life of service, integrity, and devotion, with the assurance that God sees and rewards the faithful. The exaltation of the humble is not only a future hope but also a present reality, as God works in the lives of His people to accomplish His purposes and bring glory to His name.