The Most High and the Almighty

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

The Most High (Elyon) is the God who is above every other being, the One whose glory, honour, majesty and power have no rival. This title is used for the first time in the Bible when Melchizedek came to bless Abraham in the name of “the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth” (Gn 14:18-24), the God who gave Abraham victory (vs. 1-17). The Most High God is the God of all resources, of all glory — no one (and nothing!) is above Him.

As to the title Almighty (Shaddai), there are three suggestions as to the root word it is derived from (see Wikipedia’s definition): shadad (“destroy” — thus indicating the warrior power of God), shadda u (“mountain dweller” — a high and mighty God), or shadaim (“breast”). I prefer this last option, as it suggests a gentle and loving care, like the care of a mother. Where can a baby feel safer than in his mother’s arms? Where can it find more peace, warmth and love than in it’s mother’s bosom? Someone might be more capable of protecting a baby, but no one will care for it with more love and dedication than the baby’s mother! El Shaddai is the Bountiful God, the Father who cares for us with a mother’s love.

In this Psalm we have both titles. Our God is El Elyon, the Most High God, but He is also El Shaddai, the Bountiful God. We can never doubt His power to protect us — He is El Elyon. We can never doubt His interest in protecting us — He is El Shaddai.