In the Bible, exalted means to raise in rank, to raise high, to lift up. It is the same thought as when we talk about putting someone on a pedestal. To exalt someone in the Bible is to lift them up to a place of great honor, power, or authority. It is to give them a place of reverence.
'Exalt' and 'Exalted': What Do These Words Mean in the Bible?
The word 'exalt' appears in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The spelling for the Hebrew word is ‘rum,' which means to be lifted up in rank and dignity.
The Greek word is ‘hypsoo.’ Again, the word means to lift or raise up. Various instances in the New Testament reveal a divine pattern that God alone grants true exaltation. He lifts someone up through the paradoxical process of being humbled, suffering, and obedience to His will.
In our lives today, just as in biblical times, we must have discernment when it comes to exalting others. We often cannot judge rightfully whether someone is worthy of being looked up to or not. So, we often exalt people, companies, or thoughts that we later find were not worthy of the position. That’s why it is important to understand the type of person God exalts. Whereas people look at the outward appearance and accomplishments of a person, or at what someone can do for them, God is able to look at their hearts (1 Sam. 16:7).
Let's learn more about the meaning of 'exalted' in Scripture and how 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 higher place of authority. He is the one and only true God. He is sovereign because of who He is, not by anything man can do. When the Bible talks of God being exalted, it means that people recognize His supreme authority, majesty, and holiness.
Some places in 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 in 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 will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.'”
- 1 Kings 8:23 (When Solomon dedicates the Temple) "[Solomon] said, 'O Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like 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 (at the birth of Christ, the Son of God) “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among 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 another place in Scripture that often talk about 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 will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me."
7. Psalm 46:10 "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'”
8. Psalm 57:5 "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth."
9. Psalm 99:5 "Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy."
10. Psalm 145:1 "I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever."
How Was Jesus Exalted by God?
God exalted Jesus many times in the Bible. Jesus was not only a great man, teacher, or philosopher. Instead, the Bible makes it clear that He is the very Son of God, the only 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 at the beginning, at creation, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Everything came into being through Him, the Word made flesh.
2. At Christ’s Baptism (Matthew 3:16-17)
"After John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, the Spirit of God came down like a dove and rested upon Him. Then God the Father said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am pleased.'”
3. At the Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8)
Paul wrote that Christ, even though He was God and could have stopped it, humbled Himself by dying on the cross. "Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11.
4. At the Ascension (Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:9-11)
Jesus was speaking to the disciples on the Mount of Olives when He was ‘lifted up’ and disappeared into a cloud. Then two men in white clothing appeared and said that in the same way that Jesus left, He will return. Mark adds that after Jesus returned to heaven, He “sat down at the right 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 no one was worthy of opening it. Then a Lamb came out of the crowd, took the book from the one sitting on the throne, and opened it. "Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them were myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, 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 humble (Isaiah 66:2, Matthew 5:5, 1 Peter 5:6). But why would He exalt the humble and not those who man lifts up?
To be humble means to not be proud, haughty, or arrogant. It means expressing a spirit of deference or submission. This is the attitude of a person God can use.
God does not expect or desire us to live our lives without Him. Instead, once we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we should live in submission to Him and His power and wisdom. He is omniscient and omnipotent, all-wise and all-powerful. And this is the strength that is available to each of His followers.
Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He might exalt you at the proper time (1 Peter 5:6).
But this does not come naturally for humanity. In the Bible, there are many stories in which men tried to use their own power to advance God’s kingdom. In fact, the disciples had a dispute about who would be the greatest among 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 who 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 among you. Bbut whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be serve, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” 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 both a personal and communal act, in which we praise God for who He is: Creator, Savior, and Holy God.
In the Psalms, we find many places where believers are called to gather and worship God.
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together (Psalm 34:3).
Although we often look at prayer as something we have to do in certain ways, prayer, at its most basic, is simply talking to God. Instead of worrying about what form we use or what words to include, the intent of prayer is to communicate with God, to establish and grow our relationship with the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)—the one who watches over even a sparrow (Matthew 10:29-31).
It is through worship and prayer that we grow a relationship with the Lord. Scripture guides us in this by helping us learn who He really is and what He has done for us in Christ. Then, we realize the relationship 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 because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:11.
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