The LORD Most High in the original Hebrew is “YHWH Elyon”. “Elyon” emphasizes the exalted nature of God who controls the destiny of the universe, all nations, and all individuals. (Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 78:34-35) “YHWH” emphasizes the covenant God of Israel, referring to Moses’ burning yet not consumed bush incident. (Exodus 3:14) Indeed, God is here called “The great King over all the earth!”
The attention to detail and control with absolute power for the benefit of his people who are known by his name is expanded upon. The LORD Most High subdues nations under his people. He chooses their inheritance according to his endless and complete love for them. God uses his authority to control all for the welfare of those who love him in every detail.
The truth revealed here concerning the nature of God and his interaction with his creation, including all humans, and especially his people initiates deep thought about destiny, predestination, and choice that perhaps will generate a decision about these complex and confusing subjects. A warning -this may require aspirin.
I am focusing on the truth in verse 4, “He chose our inheritance for us…” For Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and all of Israel this was the land of promise, Canaan. For Israel to obtain and keep the land promised, the LORD Most High God needed to have absolute control of entire nations as well as individual lives often in miraculous ways since the foundations of the earth were laid by his hand. (Exodus 32:13; Matthew 25:34; Acts 13:19)
The apostles revealed to those who believe in the Messiah Jesus that the inheritance to come was more than a plot of land. The eternal inheritance to come is the kingdom of God, the kingdom of light that Jesus often preached about. (Ephesians 1:18, 5:5; Colossians 1:12, 3:24; Hebrews 9:15; 1 Peter 1:4) To keep this promise the LORD Most High would not only need to control the earth in every detail, but also the heavens and all that dwell within. Already his control enabled over three hundred prophecies about the Messiah to be fulfilled in the life of Jesus.
Ephesians 1:11-14 says, “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory.”
