What does "awesome is the LORD Most High" reveal about God's character? Setting the Scene of Psalm 47 “For the LORD, the Most High, is awesome, the great King over all the earth.” (Psalm 47:2) Psalm 47 is a triumphant call to praise after God’s people witness His powerful deliverance. The psalmist zooms in on one breathtaking reality: “the LORD, the Most High, is awesome.” What Scripture Means by “Awesome” In modern speech “awesome” can be casual, but in Hebrew (yāreʾ) it carries depth: • A thrilling, reverent fear—God inspires holy trembling (Exodus 20:18-20). • Wonder so intense it compels worship (Isaiah 6:1-5). • Recognition of unrivaled power that leaves humanity speechless (Job 42:1-6). Four Facets of God’s Character Revealed 1. Supreme Sovereign • “Most High” (ʿelyôn) proclaims absolute supremacy—no rival god, ruler, or ideology can challenge Him (Deuteronomy 32:39). • His throne extends “over all the earth,” reminding us that borders and eras are under His rule (Daniel 4:34-35). 2. Majestic King • “Great King” accents His regal authority. He is not one king among many; He is King of kings (Revelation 19:16). • His decrees stand unchallenged: “Our God is in the heavens; He does as He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). 3. Fear-Inspiring Holiness • Holiness evokes awe: “Who among the gods is like You—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11). • His purity exposes sin, calling us to repent rather than shrink back (Isaiah 57:15). 4. Faithful Deliverer • The surrounding verses celebrate God subduing nations and securing His people’s inheritance (Psalm 47:3-4). • His awe is not cold distance but covenant faithfulness—He powerfully acts for those who trust Him (2 Samuel 22:2-4). How This Shapes Our Daily Walk • Stand in reverent wonder—light views of God shrink faith; grand views enlarge it. • Submit gladly—if He is “Most High,” compliance is wisdom, resistance is folly. • Worship exuberantly—Psalm 47 explodes with clapping and shouts because awe produces joy, not drudgery. • Rest securely—the King who rules the cosmos holds every unknown of your life (Matthew 10:29-31). |
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