Who is our God? What is He like?
He is the Sovereign.
The land of Canaan, the place that was promised to Abram by God, was a land full of idolatry and pagan beliefs and practices. Abram would seemingly be a lone worshiper of the Lord in this place. History bears out this truth, and as you read through the pages of scripture you see it as well. However, in the midst of this paganism and idolatry that was rampant in the land, there is a refreshing and encouraging revelation.
Abram is not the only one who worships the Lord. After a hard fought battle against the pagan kings of the land; a battle to rescue Lot and restore that which was stolen, another king arises. This man, described as the king of Salem (Jerusalem), whose name is Melchizedek, came forth, not as an enemy, but to be a blessing to Abram after his victory over these pagan kings. How could this be? Why would this man desire to reward and honor Abram? What could Abram and Melchizedek possibly have in common? God. They had God in common. And not just any “god,” but as Melchizedek described Him… El‘elyon.
This is a Hebrew word that describes that characteristic of God that distinguishes Him from all others. By this we know that He is the Sovereign, the Supreme, the God above all gods. The emphasis placed on this description of God is clear in this chapter,
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, 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. And he gave him tithes of all. (Genesis 14:18-20)
Can you imagine that? In the midst of this pagan land, and after the hard fought battle with these pagan kings, the Supreme Sovereign, the “possessor of heaven and earth,” El‘elyon, just happened to have a man, a “priest” no less, ready to minister to Abram as he and his men recovered from this battle. Coincidence? Or it could be that He truly is the Supreme Sovereign, and nothing happens in His domain without Him being completely aware and intimately involved, to orchestrate the outcome for His ultimate purposes. What an amazing God!
Behold our God!