The title 'Most High' appears in Genesis 14 when Melchizedek is called 'the priest of the most high God,' revealing God as the possessor of heaven and earth and pointing to Christ's priesthood.
In Genesis 14:18-22, the title is used by and for Melchizedek and Abram to describe God. Les Feldick teaches that this title is associated with the non-Jewish world and that Melchizedek, as priest of the whole human race, pictures the priesthood of Christ. The title also illustrates how God progressively reveals His names and truths through Scripture.
Genesis 14:18 — This is where Melchizedek is explicitly called 'the priest of the most high God.'
Genesis 14:22 — Abram uses the title 'the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth' to identify the LORD.
In the book of Genesis, the specific title 'Most High' occurs in chapter 14. Melchizedek, king of Salem, is introduced as 'the priest of the most high God' (Genesis 14:18). He blesses Abram with these words: 'Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand' (Genesis 14:19-20). Abram then responds to the king of Sodom, saying, 'I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth' (Genesis 14:22). The phrase 'possessor of heaven and earth' is repeated, emphasizing that this title speaks of God's universal sovereignty. The text does not explain the term; it simply uses it as a name for God in this encounter with Melchizedek.
Les Feldick explains that the term 'Most High God' is not limited to Israel but is used 'predominantly to the non-Jewish world.' He points to the book of Daniel, where Nebuchadnezzar, a Gentile, calls the God of Daniel 'the Most High.' Since Israel was not yet a nation in Genesis 14, Les says Melchizedek was priest of the whole human race—a picture of the priesthood that Christ would later fulfill. Les also connects Jesus to the title by citing Matthew 28:18, where Jesus says 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.' This makes Jesus the possessor of heaven and earth—not only Jehovah but also Elyon, the Most High. For Les, the introduction of this title fits his emphasis on progressive revelation: God reveals His names and truth gradually, as seen in Genesis moving from 'God' to 'Lord God' to 'Most High God.'
In Genesis 14:18, Melchizedek is described as 'the priest of the most high God.' He blesses Abram by that name in verse 19, saying, 'Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth.' Abram also uses the title in verse 22: 'I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth.' This is the context where the title appears in Genesis.
Les Feldick states that whenever the term 'Most High God' is used, it is 'a reference not just to Israel, but predominantly to the non-Jewish world.' He notes that in Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar—a Gentile—called the God of Daniel 'the Most High.' Because Israel is not yet on the scene in Genesis 14, Melchizedek serves as priest of the whole human race under this universal title.
Les connects Jesus to the title by citing Matthew 28:18: 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.' He says Jesus is the possessor of heaven and earth—not only Jehovah but 'Elyon,' the Most High. This matches the Genesis 14 description of God and also shows that Christ fulfills the Melchizedek priesthood.
Les says the only way to understand Scripture is to grasp progressive revelation. God does not tell us everything in Genesis; He reveals it over time. Genesis 1 uses 'God,' Genesis 2 introduces 'Lord God,' and Genesis 14 introduces 'Most High God' in connection with Melchizedek. Each name adds a distinct facet to our understanding of God.
Who is Melchizedek? Understanding the "Most High God" & His Names
and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shavah, which is the king's dale. And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine, and he, Melchizedek, was the priest of the Most High God. Now, before I go any further, I'm going to give you the most absurd illustration I could think of.
The Gentile Meaning of 'Most High'
Les teaches that the title 'Most High God' refers predominantly to the non-Jewish world, and that Melchizedek, as priest of the whole human race, pictures Christ's priesthood.
Jesus as Elyon / Most High
Les shows that Jesus' statement in Matthew 28:18—'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth'—identifies Him as the possessor of heaven and earth, i.e., Elyon, the Most High.
The Term 'Most High' in Daniel
Les notes that the term 'Most High' is always mostly associated with the Gentile, as seen in Daniel with Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians.
Jesus as High Priest: The Order of Melchizedek Explained
But when it's elevated to the capital like this, then it equals, as we saw then, God's title of the Most High God, and that's the way so many of these titles of deity are used. In the ordinary vernacular, they're just another Hebrew word out of the Hebrew language, but when it's elevated then into the realm of deity, it becomes something unique and special.
Progressive Introduction of Titles
Les points out that in Genesis 2 the title 'Lord God' appears after Genesis 1 used only 'God,' showing that God's names are introduced progressively.
The Burning Bush & The Angel of the Lord: Who Did Moses Really See?
Those of you who were with us way back during Genesis 1-1, in the beginning what? God. But all the rest of Scripture attributes creation to who? God the Son, Jesus Christ, who hath created all things by Jesus. In fact, it's right here in this same verse, verse 2 of Hebrews 1, whom He, God, hath appointed heir of all things by whom also He, God, did what? Made the worlds. How? By the Son.
Progressive Revelation
Les teaches that God reveals things progressively over time, which is why new titles like 'Most High' appear in Scripture at specific points.
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 Melchizedek with the key title 'the priest of the most high God.'
Genesis 14:19: And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
The title is expanded with the description of God as 'possessor of heaven and earth.'
Genesis 14:20: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
The blessing continues, using the title 'most high God' and noting Abram's tithe.
Genesis 14:22: And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
Abram uses the same title for God, confirming its meaning and significance.
Matthew 28:18: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Les connects this verse to the title 'Most High' because Jesus claims possession of heaven and earth.
The title appears in Genesis 14 when Melchizedek blesses Abram, calling God 'the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth.' It emphasizes God's universal authority over all creation.
Les Feldick teaches that the term is used predominantly for the non-Jewish world, as seen when Nebuchadnezzar, a Gentile, uses it in Daniel. Melchizedek, a Gentile priest, uses it in Genesis before Israel exists.
Les connects Jesus to Melchizedek's order and to the title 'Most High.' Jesus said, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth' (Matthew 28:18), showing He is the possessor of heaven and earth, like the Most High God of Genesis 14.
Watch the Teaching: Who is Melchizedek? Understanding the "Most High God" & His Names