Psalms 108:5
Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;
Psalms 108:5
This verse is a climactic cry for God’s exaltation: be thou exalted above the heavens and thy glory above all the earth. The aspirational language signals a longing for God’s supremacy to be recognized universally. The psalmist’s confident plea for divine exaltation corresponds with the broader biblical motif that God’s sovereignty should be the ultimate public good—guiding nations, shaping justice, and provoking worship. In the ancient world, rulers’ legitimacy often rested on perceived divine favor; here, God’s own sovereignty surpasses any human ruler, inviting all to submit to his just reign.
The verse foregrounds God’s supreme authority and glory as the overarching aim of history. It highlights divine sovereignty not as tyranny but as rightful leadership that grounds peace, justice, and flourishing. This exaltation is the context for salvation history—the right ordering of creation under God.
Practically, this invites Christians to cultivate a posture of humility and trust in God’s ultimate sovereignty. In politics, media, or culture, avoid idolatry of national power or personal influence; instead, seek to reflect God’s exalted reign through acts of justice, mercy, and truth. In prayer, affirm God’s supremacy over every sphere of life—businesses, governments, and families—and live in ways that embody his just and merciful kingship.
Cross-References: Psalm 2:8-9; Isaiah 2:11-17; Philippians 2:9-11; Daniel 4:34-35