The exaltation and praise of the LORD are central themes throughout the Bible, reflecting His supreme authority, holiness, and the reverence due to Him by all creation. The Scriptures consistently call believers to recognize and proclaim the greatness of the LORD, who is worthy of all honor and adoration.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a profound foundation for the exaltation and praise of the LORD. In the Psalms, a book dedicated to worship, the psalmists frequently extol the LORD's majesty and power. Psalm 145:3 declares, "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable." This verse encapsulates the infinite nature of God's greatness, which is beyond human comprehension.

The LORD's exaltation is also evident in His acts of creation and deliverance. In Exodus 15:1-2, following the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites sing, "I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation." Here, the LORD is praised for His mighty acts of salvation and His supremacy over all forces.

The prophets also emphasize the LORD's exaltation. Isaiah 6:1-3 provides a vivid depiction of the LORD's holiness and glory: "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. Above Him stood seraphim... And they were calling out to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth.'" This vision underscores the LORD's exalted position and the continuous praise He receives from the heavenly hosts.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, the exaltation and praise of the LORD are further illuminated through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:9-11 reveals the exaltation of Christ: "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 highlights the divine exaltation of Christ, affirming His lordship and the ultimate praise He will receive from all creation.

The book of Revelation provides a glimpse into the heavenly worship of the LORD. Revelation 4:11 proclaims, "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." This scene of celestial worship emphasizes the LORD's worthiness to receive eternal praise for His role as Creator and Sustainer.

The Call to Praise

Believers are called to actively participate in the exaltation and praise of the LORD. Hebrews 13:15 encourages, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name." This exhortation reflects the believer's response to God's grace and the acknowledgment of His sovereignty.

The Psalms frequently invite all creation to join in the praise of the LORD. Psalm 150:6 concludes the Psalter with a universal call: "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!" This invitation underscores the comprehensive nature of the LORD's praise, extending to all living beings.

Conclusion

The exaltation and praise of the LORD are integral to the biblical narrative, reflecting His unparalleled greatness and the rightful response of His creation. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Scriptures consistently affirm the LORD's worthiness to be praised and exalted above all.