In the Bible, exalted means to boost in rank, to boost high, to lift up. It is identical thought as once we discuss putting someone on a pedestal. To exalt someone within the Bible is to lift them as much as a spot of great honor, power, or authority. It is to provide them a spot of reverence.
‘Exalt’ and ‘Exalted’: What Do These Words Mean within the Bible?
The word ‘exalt’ appears in each the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The spelling for the Hebrew word is ‘rum,’ which implies to be lifted up in rank and dignity.
The Greek word is ‘hypsoo.’ Again, the word means to lift or raise up. Various instances within the New Testament reveal a divine pattern that God alone grants true exaltation. He lifts someone up through the paradoxical means of being humbled, suffering, and obedience to His will.
In our lives today, just as in biblical times, we will need to have discernment with regards to exalting others. We often cannot judge rightfully whether someone is worthy of being looked as much as or not. So, we regularly exalt people, firms, or thoughts that we later find were unfit of the position. That’s why it will be important to grasp the kind of person God exalts. Whereas people take a look at the outward appearance and accomplishments of an individual, or at what someone can do for them, God is ready to take a look at their hearts (1 Sam. 16:7).
Let’s learn more concerning the meaning of ‘exalted’ in Scripture and the way it applies to our lives today.
Bible Verses about God Being Exalted
When the Bible speaks of God being exalted, it doesn’t mean that man promotes him to a better place of authority. He is the one and only true God. He is sovereign due to who He is, not by anything man can do. When the Bible talks of God being exalted, it means that individuals recognize His supreme authority, majesty, and holiness.
Some places within the Bible where God is exalted:
- Genesis 1:1 “In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” God’s majesty, power, and creativity are clearly on display within the Creation of the universe.
- Exodus 15:1 (When Moses led the people across the Red Sea) “Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and said, ‘I’ll sing to the Lord, for He is extremely exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the ocean.’”
- 1 Kings 8:23 (When Solomon dedicates the Temple) “[Solomon] said, ‘O Lord, the God of Israel, there is no such thing as a God such as you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart.’”
- Luke 2:14 (on the birth of Christ, the Son of God) “Glory to God in the best, and on earth peace amongst men with whom He is pleased.”
- Revelation 4:11 (future rejoicing in heaven) “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
The Psalms are one other place in Scripture that usually discuss God being exalted and lifted up. David and other psalmists proclaim God’s praiseworthiness, often using the word “exalt” or “exalted.”
6. Psalm 30:1 “I’ll exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and didn’t let my enemies gloat over me.”
7. Psalm 46:10 “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I’m God; I might be exalted among the many nations, I might be exalted within the earth.’”
8. Psalm 57:5 “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all of the earth.”
9. Psalm 99:5 “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he’s holy.”
10. Psalm 145:1 “I’ll exalt you, my God the King; I’ll praise your name with no end in sight.”
How Was Jesus Exalted by God?
God exalted Jesus persistently within the Bible. Jesus was not only a fantastic man, teacher, or philosopher. Instead, the Bible makes it clear that He is the very Son of God, the one begotten Son (John 3:16). Because He was the Son of God, the Father lifted Him up in several instances.
1. At the Creation (John 1:1-14)
John writes that in the beginning, at creation, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Everything got here into being through Him, the Word made flesh.
2. At Christ’s Baptism (Matthew 3:16-17)
“After John the Baptist baptized Jesus within the Jordan River, the Spirit of God got here down like a dove and rested upon Him. Then God the Father said, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I’m pleased.’”
3. At the Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8)
Paul wrote that Christ, regardless that He was God and will have stopped it, humbled Himself by dying on the cross. “Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on Him the name that’s above every name, in order that on the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and each tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:11th of September.
4. At the Ascension (Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:11th of September)
Jesus was talking to the disciples on the Mount of Olives when He was ‘lifted up’ and disappeared right into a cloud. Then two men in white clothing appeared and said that in the identical way that Jesus left, He will return. Mark adds that after Jesus returned to heaven, He “sat down at the best hand of God.”
5. When He Opens the Scroll in Heaven (Revelation 5:1-14)
John the Apostle had a vision that became the Book of Revelation. He saw a gathering in heaven when a book was presented, but nobody was worthy of opening it. Then a Lamb got here out of the group, took the book from the one sitting on the throne, and opened it. “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels across the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the variety of them were myriads of myriads, and 1000’s of 1000’s, saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and glory and blessing.'” Revelation 5:11-12.
What Does the Bible Say about Exalting the Humble?
The Bible makes it clear that God exalts the standard (Isaiah 66:2, Matthew 5:5, 1 Peter 5:6). But why would He exalt the standard and never those that man lifts up?
To be humble means to not be proud, haughty, or boastful. It means expressing a spirit of deference or submission. This is the attitude of an individual God can use.
God doesn’t expect or desire us to live our lives without Him. Instead, once we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we must always live in submission to Him and His power and wisdom. He is omniscient and omnipotent, all-wise and all-powerful. And that is the strength that is offered to every of His followers.
Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He might exalt you at the right time (1 Peter 5:6).
But this doesn’t come naturally for humanity. In the Bible, there are a lot of stories by which men tried to make use of their very own power to advance God’s kingdom. In fact, the disciples had a dispute about who can be the best amongst them and brought it to Jesus (Matthew 18:1-4, Mark 10:35-45, Luke 22:23-26).
And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those that are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so way amongst you. Bbut whoever can be great amongst you have to be your servant, and whoever can be first amongst you have to be slave of all. For even the Son of Man got here not to be serve, but to serve, and to provide His life as a ransom for a lot of.” Mark 10:42-45
How Can Christians Exalt God in Worship and Prayer?
Christians exalt God in worship and prayer by learning and realizing who God is.
Worship expresses a believer’s response to the majesty, glory, and love of God. It is each a private and communal act, by which we praise God for who He is: Creator, Savior, and Holy God.
In the Psalms, we discover many places where believers are called to assemble and worship God.
O magnify the Lord with me, and allow us to exalt His name together (Psalm 34:3).
Although we regularly take a look at prayer as something now we have to do in certain ways, prayer, at its most simple, is solely talking to God. Instead of worrying about what form we use or what words to incorporate, the intent of prayer is to speak with God, to ascertain and grow our relationship with the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)—the one who watches over even a sparrow (Matthew 10:29-31).
It is thru worship and prayer that we grow a relationship with the Lord. Scripture guides us on this by helping us learn who He really is and what He has done for us in Christ. Then, we realize the connection that He has called us to and the position He holds.
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and since of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:11.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/kevron2001
