Psalms 83:18
That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.
Psalms 83:18
This climactic line declares the purpose of the psalm: “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.” The emphasis is on God’s unique and supreme identity. The name Yahweh (Jehovah) is not merely a label but a claim about God’s eternal, self-existent nature and faithfulness. The psalm concludes by directing the reader to recognize God’s sovereignty over all nations and kingdoms. In the ancient world, this proclamation would stand as a challenge to idolatrous powers who claimed sovereignty for themselves. The psalmist’s prayer for divine intervention is ultimately designed to reveal God’s glory and authority to all humanity.
Theologically, this verse centers on monotheistic conviction—the LORD alone is God, and he is supreme over all the earth. It asserts God’s exclusive lordship and sovereignty, offering a theological corrective to any belief in rival powers or deities. It also embeds missional implications: the nations will come to know the LORD as the supreme ruler. This verse undergirds the biblical narrative of universal recognition of God’s kingship.
For contemporary readers, this verse encourages a posture of worship and evangelistic witness. It can motivate believers to proclaim the uniqueness and sovereignty of God in a pluralistic world, not through coercion but through living lives that display his character and grace. Practically, this means modeling integrity, compassion, and justice in daily life so that others may come to acknowledge the LORD’s supremacy. It also invites humility: to recognize that human plans and national powers are limited, while God’s name remains exalted.
Cross-References: Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 45:5-6; Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 15:4