(Psalm 113:4) If the Lord is “exalted over all nations,” how can we account for multiple religions thriving throughout history without universal acknowledgment of this supremacy?

The Meaning of Psalm 113:4

Psalm 113:4 declares, “The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens.” This statement asserts the absolute rule and supremacy of the Lord, emphasizing that His authority and exalted position are not limited to one group or region. At first glance, one might ask why, throughout history, many other religious paths have also thrived. The key to resolving this apparent tension lies in understanding the biblical view of God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, and the unfolding plan of redemption.

God’s Universal Authority

From a scriptural standpoint, the sovereign dominion of God extends to all creation. As Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein.” God’s power over the entire universe, including every nation and people group, is woven throughout the biblical narrative. This includes depictions of God’s control over historical events (e.g., Daniel 2:21–22), His shaping of entire empires to fulfill His purposes (e.g., Isaiah 45:1–6), and His ultimate authority over life itself (e.g., Acts 17:25).

Human Free Will and the Fallen Condition

Although God is truly exalted over every nation, individuals still exercise responsibility and choice. Scripture presents humankind as created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), yet fallen in sin (Romans 3:23). This fallen state affects intellect, will, and desire. Because this brokenness affects how people perceive and respond to God’s revelation, they can be drawn to false or incomplete forms of spirituality.

Romans 1:18–20 teaches that God’s existence and attributes “have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood from His workmanship.” Despite this clarity, human hearts can suppress the truth, leading to the worship of created things rather than the Creator (Romans 1:21–25). This suppression helps explain how entire cultures and civilizations might adopt differing religious beliefs and fail collectively to recognize God’s true supremacy, even though He is, in fact, “exalted over all the nations.”

The Flourishing of Multiple Religions

1. Historical Divergence

After the confusion of languages at Babel (Genesis 11:7–9), people spread across the globe and developed distinct cultures, customs, and religious traditions. These traditions evolved in various ways, often retaining fragments of truth and moral insight but also incorporating mythologies and practices at odds with biblical revelation.

2. Cultural Expression and Spiritual Yearnings

Many peoples have expressed a universal hunger for spirituality, morality, and the divine (cf. Acts 17:26–27). Even in societies not directly influenced by early Hebrew or Christian teachings, there remains a sense of the sacred, indicating that humans have an intrinsic spiritual awareness. Ecclesiastes 3:11 notes that God has “set eternity in their hearts.” While this longing often results in seeking the true God, it can also yield myriad religious systems when this longing is veiled by sin or cultural traditions.

3. Persecution and Transformation

Historically, followers of the true God have been few compared to the broader populace. The fact that some forms of religion gain enormous numbers of adherents does not negate God’s authority or the truth of His word. Indeed, the biblical witness attests that God’s faithful remnant has repeatedly been overshadowed by pagan or idolatrous nations (e.g., 1 Kings 19:10–18, where Elijah laments feeling alone, but the Lord has preserved 7,000 faithful worshipers).

God’s Desire for Universal Recognition

Scripture consistently shows that while the Lord is already supreme, He often invites His creation to realize His sovereignty in a personal and communal way. Second Peter 3:9 attests that God is patient, “not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” That other religions thrive does not overturn God’s position; it speaks more to humanity’s situation of autonomy and the divine forbearance that allows individuals to choose or reject Him.

Prophetic and Historical Validation

Despite the proliferation of varying religious systems, the biblical record says that God’s exaltation will eventually be recognized by all. Philippians 2:10–11 states, “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.” In navigating historical and archaeological findings, scholars frequently highlight the accuracy of biblical accounts—such as the archaeological corroboration for ancient Israelite cities and kingdoms (e.g., references to the House of David in the Tel Dan Stele) and the reliability of biblical manuscripts measured against extant copies like the Dead Sea Scrolls. These discoveries do not compel universal belief but steadily confirm the trustworthiness of Scripture’s historical claims and message.

Enduring Human Misconceptions

1. Imperfect Knowledge

Many people in history and across the globe have not had direct access to the complete gospel message. While “the heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1) and creation itself testifies to an intelligent Designer, without the specific revelation of Scripture, theology can become entangled with cultural assumptions.

2. Competing Ideologies

Philosophical, political, and cultural pressures have often shaped the trajectory of multiple faith systems. In many cultures, acceptance or rejection of the one true God has been influenced by leaders, philosophers, or broader social conditions, rather than by an outright denial of God’s supremacy. For instance, in some societies, religious pluralism is celebrated, preserving political harmony but diluting devotion to the exclusive claims of the biblical God.

Consistent Biblical Assurance

The flourishing of multiple religions does not contradict the central truth that God is exalted over all. Scripture reassures us that the Lord, who “determines the number of the stars” (Psalm 147:4), is neither threatened nor diminished by the presence of other religions. The biblical record instead highlights God’s ability to work in spite of, and even through, diverse human religious expressions to bring about His redemptive plan. In passages such as Acts 17:22–31, we see awareness of spiritual seeking in non-biblical religions and an invitation to recognize the one true God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Practical Implications

1. Faithful Witness

Believers are called to share the truth that the God of Scripture truly is exalted over every people group and culture (Matthew 28:19–20). The multiplicity of religions underscores the need for mission-oriented compassion, humility, and dialogue.

2. Intelligent Inquiry and Apologetics

Engaging those of other faith traditions offers an opportunity to present supportive evidence for the truth of the Bible—from archaeological finds (e.g., the Mesha Stele and its references to Israel), to manuscript reliability (as witnessed in ancient Greek papyri and the Dead Sea Scrolls), to philosophical arguments supporting a Designer. Providing such evidence can create an environment conducive to honest reflection, without coercion.

3. God’s Larger Redemptive Purpose

Even if the world does not currently acknowledge God’s exalted nature, Scripture points to a future restoration when He will be universally recognized. Revelation 11:15 proclaims, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” This assurance motivates patient perseverance and loving engagement rather than despair or triumphalism.

Conclusion

The Lord’s exaltation over all nations and the historical proliferation of various religions are not contradictory. While human sin and cultural divergence can lead to a multitude of belief systems, God’s supreme reign remains intact. Psalm 113:4 holds true regardless of humanity’s collective or individual acknowledgment. Scripture portrays a God patient enough to allow humanity to exercise free will, yet powerful enough to bring every plan to fruition in His perfect timing.

The existence of multiple religions throughout history testifies both to humanity’s undeniable spiritual longing and to our propensity to stray, suppress truth, and reinterpret divine revelation. Ultimately, the consistent biblical promise is that God will be universally honored (Philippians 2:10–11). Until then, believers are entrusted with the calling to proclaim and demonstrate the truth that indeed “the LORD is exalted over all the nations.”