Psalm 7 Continued…
In the fall of 2021 we did a 14-week long study of the names of God at our church. It was a rich experience. One of the great things about Psalm 7 is the use of God’s names throughout this Psalm. Eight times the tetragrammaton (YHWH) occurs. This is God’s personal name. Twice it is linked with “elohim” to say, “Lord my God.” (7:1, 3) And it is used six times by itself. (7:6, 8 [2x], 17 [2x]).
“Elohim” occurs seven times. (7:1, 3, 6, 9, 11) In this Psalm it climaxes with the usage of the patriarchal divine name: “El Elyon” in verse 17. But David does something unique here that is only found here in this verse. God’s name El Elyon was known well and was first used to describe Melchizidek in Genesis 14. He was “priest of God Most High” (El Elyon).
But in Psalm 7:17, David takes that special name of God and combines it with God’s personal name (the tetragrammton). So, it is literally in Hebrew “Yahweh Elyon”, which is translated
“The Lord Most High.”
It is very significant and the only time we see this employed in Scripture. Yahweh, Israel’s covenant God, is the Highest God of the world and rules over all in justice and truth. It is a powerful statement that David is making calling on God in this manner. This God is above all but He is not unknowable. He has revealed Himself to us.
And He revealed Himself by giving to us his personal name. And that name was the special property of the covenant people of God. Other nations had Elohims. But only Israel called upon Yahweh.
And God didn’t give this name for temporary usage. It wasn’t just for a few days or for a few years or even for a few generations. God said, “This is my name forever. The name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.” (Exodus 3:15) The name that David knew and held tightly to in his time of trouble. The name we need to hold on to and call out to as well. Yahweh Elyon!
PRAY
Help us know you better. Help us finally rest in your unchanging nature. Help us to truly trust in your promises over our lives. Help us to be swallowed up in your everlasting love.