Psalm 108:5

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.

Study Bible

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
This phrase calls for the elevation of God to the highest place of honor and reverence. The heavens, in biblical terms, often refer to the sky or the celestial realm, which is considered the highest physical point. This reflects the belief in God's supreme authority and sovereignty over all creation. The call for God to be exalted above the heavens signifies His transcendence and majesty, surpassing all earthly and heavenly realms. This echoes other scriptures such as Psalm 57:5 and Psalm 113:4, which similarly emphasize God's exalted status. Theologically, it underscores the belief in God's omnipotence and His rightful place as the ultimate ruler of the universe.

may Your glory cover all the earth.
This phrase expresses a desire for God's glory, His manifest presence and divine attributes, to be recognized and experienced throughout the entire world. The concept of God's glory covering the earth is reminiscent of the prophetic vision in Habakkuk 2:14, which speaks of the earth being filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. It reflects the hope for a future time when God's presence and righteousness will be universally acknowledged. Culturally, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of a deity's power being demonstrated through their influence over the land. In a typological sense, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, whose life and ministry revealed God's glory to humanity, and whose return is anticipated to fulfill this vision completely.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The central figure in this verse, God is the one being exalted. The psalmist calls for God's glory to be recognized universally.

2. Heavens
Represents the highest realms of creation, symbolizing the vastness and majesty of God's domain.

3. Earth
The physical world, which is to be filled with God's glory, indicating the psalmist's desire for God's presence to be acknowledged everywhere.

4. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is expressing a deep desire for God's glory to be recognized universally.

5. Israel
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm reflects the national and spiritual aspirations of Israel for God's glory to be known.

Teaching Points

Exaltation of God
We are called to lift God's name above all else in our lives, recognizing His supreme authority and majesty.

Universal Recognition of God's Glory
Our prayers and actions should aim to make God's glory known throughout the earth, influencing every sphere of life.

Personal Worship and Praise
Like the psalmist, we should cultivate a heart of worship that seeks to exalt God in every circumstance.

Mission and Evangelism
The desire for God's glory to cover the earth motivates us to share the Gospel, so others may also recognize and worship Him.

Reflection of God's Glory
As believers, we are called to reflect God's glory in our character and actions, serving as a testament to His presence in the world.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can you personally exalt God in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to ensure His name is lifted high?

2. In what ways can your community or church work towards making God's glory known in your local area?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's glory in a profound way. How did it impact your faith and actions?

4. How does the call for God's glory to cover the earth influence your understanding of mission and evangelism?

5. Consider the connection between personal worship and the universal recognition of God's glory. How can your personal devotion contribute to this larger vision?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 57:5
This verse is nearly identical to Psalm 108:5, emphasizing the theme of God's exaltation and glory. It highlights the consistency of this prayerful desire across different psalms.

Habakkuk 2:14
This verse speaks of the earth being filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, echoing the psalmist's desire for God's glory to cover the earth.

Isaiah 6:3
The seraphim proclaim God's holiness and glory filling the earth, reinforcing the theme of divine majesty and presence.

Matthew 6:9-10
In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray for God's name to be hallowed and His kingdom to come, aligning with the psalmist's call for God's glory to be recognized.