In Scripture, 'Most High' is a title for God that emphasizes His supreme authority over all people, particularly His rule over the Gentile nations and the kingdoms of men.
In Genesis 14:18, Melchizedek is called the priest of the most high God, and the title appears again when the Most High divides inheritances to the nations in Deuteronomy 32:8. Les Feldick explains that this name is used predominantly for God's dealings with the Gentile world, showing that He is not just the God of Israel but the God of all. Daniel 4:17 likewise says that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, confirming this universal rule.
Genesis 14:18 — The title 'Most High' first appears in Scripture when Melchizedek is called 'the priest of the most high God.'
Deuteronomy 32:8 — It directly connects the Most High with dividing inheritances to the nations and setting their boundaries.
Daniel 4:17 — It declares that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, a key phrase for understanding the title's meaning.
Matthew 28:18 — Jesus claims all power in heaven and earth, which Les links to His being the Most High/Elyon.
The title 'Most High' is used in Scripture as a name for God, and the Bible places it in contexts involving all humanity. In Genesis 14:18, after Abram returns from battle, Melchizedek king of Salem is called the priest of the most high God. This is the first occurrence of the title, and it comes before Israel exists as a nation. Deuteronomy 32:8 says that when the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. This verse shows the Most High acting over the nations and their borders. In Daniel 4:17, the decree from heaven declares that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever He will. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus says that all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth, a claim that Les links to the same divine title.
Les Feldick teaches that the term 'Most High' is a title of deity that is used predominantly for the non-Jewish, Gentile world. He points out that in Daniel, when Gentile rulers like Nebuchadnezzar speak of God, they call Him the Most High rather than Jehovah. This shows that the Most High God is not just the God of Israel; He is the God of all peoples. Les also connects the title to Melchizedek in Genesis 14. Since Israel is not yet on the scene, Melchizedek is the priest of the whole human race, and he is a picture of the priesthood that Christ would fulfill. In Deuteronomy 32:8, when the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, it refers to all the nations of the world and how God set their bounds according to the number of the children of Israel. Les further sees this title in the New Testament. In Matthew 28:18, when Jesus declares that all power is given to Him in heaven and in earth, He is claiming to be not only Jehovah but also Elyon, the Most High, the possessor of heaven and earth. The Hebrew term for Most High God is El Elyon, which Les describes as the God of the Gentiles.
In Genesis 14:18, Melchizedek is called the priest of the most high God. Les teaches that this is a new title of deity introduced here, distinct from Lord God or Elohim. Because Israel has not yet appeared on the scene, the title is connected with God's relationship to all of humanity.
Les explains that whenever the term Most High is used, it is a reference not just to Israel but predominantly to the non-Jewish world. In Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians are in view, and the term of deity for them is the Most High. Nebuchadnezzar, a Gentile, called Daniel's God the Most High rather than Jehovah.
Deuteronomy 32:8 says the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance and set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. Les says this refers to all the nations of the world, describing how God set their borders, population, and blessings according to His sovereign plan.
Daniel 4:17 says the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men. Les points to this as evidence that the title is used especially in connection with Gentile rulers and their kingdoms. The book of Daniel is a prophetic book concerning Gentile nations, and God is repeatedly called the Most High in that context.
Les says Jesus alludes to the title Most High in Matthew 28:18 when He says, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. He is the possessor of heaven and earth — not only Jehovah but also Elyon, the Most High.
The Title 'Most High' Introduced at Melchizedek
Les points out that Genesis 14 introduces the term 'Most High' as a new title of deity, spoken in connection with Melchizedek rather than with the covenant name of God used with Israel.
Most High Refers to God of All, Including the Gentile World
Les teaches that whenever 'Most High God' is used, it points primarily to the non-Jewish world, and he says Melchizedek is a picture of the priesthood Christ would fulfill.
Most High Is the Term of Deity for Gentiles in Daniel
Les connects the title with Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians, showing that Daniel's Gentile readers would know God as the Most High.
Jesus as the Elyon, Possessor of Heaven and Earth
Les sees Jesus' claim in Matthew 28:18 that all power in heaven and earth is given to Him as an allusion to the title Most High, making Jesus not only Jehovah but also Elyon.
El Elyon Is the God of the Gentiles
Les identifies the Hebrew term for Most High God as El Elyon, which he describes as the God of the Gentiles.
The Most High Rules Over All Nations
Les explains Deuteronomy 32:8 as the Most High dividing the inheritances of all nations and setting their bounds according to the number of the children of Israel.
Why Peter Preached to "Ye Men of Israel" (Acts 2 & 3 Explained)
And that'd be in Exodus 19, and dropping down to verse 5, where God says to Moses, and Moses, of course, is going to refer it back to Israel. Now, therefore, if, so it's conditional, remember God never takes away the free will of men or nations. And he says, if you will obey my voice indeed and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar or particular treasure unto me above all people.
Divine Titles Become Unique When Elevated to Deity
Les teaches that ordinary Hebrew words become unique and special when elevated to the realm of deity, as with the title Most High and the priesthood of Melchizedek.
Genesis 14:18: And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
This verse introduces the title 'Most High' in Scripture, connecting it to Melchizedek and the time before Israel became a nation.
Deuteronomy 32:8: When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
This verse shows the Most High acting over all nations, setting their boundaries according to the number of Israel.
Daniel 4:17: This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
This declaration from heaven emphasizes that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men, a central theme in Daniel.
Matthew 28:18: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Les identifies this claim to universal power as an allusion to Jesus being the Most High, the possessor of heaven and earth.
No. Les Feldick teaches that the term 'Most High' is predominantly associated with the non-Jewish, Gentile world. In Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, a Gentile, calls God the Most High instead of Jehovah, showing that this title emphasizes God's rule over all peoples.
Melchizedek is called the priest of the most high God in Genesis 14:18. Les points out that since Israel was not yet on the scene, Melchizedek was priest of the whole human race, and he is a picture of the priesthood that Christ would fulfill.
Daniel concerns Gentile nations, and Les explains that the term of deity for them is the Most High. Daniel 4:17 says the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, revealing God's sovereignty over the Gentile rulers and kingdoms.
Watch the Teaching: Who is Melchizedek? Understanding the "Most High God" & His Names