Psalms 108:5

“Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth.”

1. Context of the Psalm: Psalm 108 is a song of praise and a prayer for victory. It is attributed to David and consists of two merged psalms, namely Psalm 57:7-11 and Psalm 60:5-12. The psalmist begins by expressing his determination to praise and worship God among the nations and to give thanks to Him.

2. Acknowledging God’s Exaltation: The verse begins with a declaration of the psalmist’s desire for God’s exaltation. It reflects a deep longing for God’s name to be lifted high and His glory to be acknowledged above all else. It recognizes God’s sovereignty and the surpassing greatness of His majesty.

3. Exalting God above the Heavens: The psalmist’s desire is for God to be exalted above the heavens, indicating that God’s glory and authority should be acknowledged and honored not only on earth but also in the celestial realms. This statement emphasizes the transcendent nature of God’s glory, surpassing all created things.

4. God’s Glory Above All the Earth: The psalmist expresses a longing for God’s glory to be acknowledged and esteemed above all the earth. This includes all the nations, peoples, and elements of creation. It reflects the psalmist’s understanding that God’s glory should be recognized by all humanity and that His greatness should be exalted throughout the world.

5. Application and Reflection: Psalm 108:5 prompts us to reflect on our own attitude towards God’s exaltation and glory. It challenges us to examine whether we truly acknowledge and honor God as supreme in our lives.

• a. Worship: Do we actively engage in worship and praise, recognizing God’s surpassing greatness and acknowledging His glory in our lives?
• b. Surrender: Are we willing to surrender our own desires, ambitions, and self-centeredness, allowing God’s will and purposes to be exalted above our own?
• c. Perspective: Do we prioritise God’s glory above all else? Are we conscious of the eternal nature of His kingdom, recognising that the things of this world are temporary and fleeting?
• d. Proclamation: Are we intentional about proclaiming God’s glory to others? Do we share the good news of His love, grace, and salvation with those around us, reflecting His exalted nature through our words and actions?

6. Prayer: As we meditate on Psalm 108:5, let us offer a prayer to God, expressing our desire for Him to be exalted above the heavens and His glory above all the earth. Let us seek His help in aligning our lives with His will and purpose, that we may be vessels through which His glory shines forth.