Table of Contents
Names
- Most High
- Creator of Heaven and Earth
- King of kings
- Ruler of the Nations
- King of Salem
“When the Most High (Elyon) gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. But the Lord’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage.”
Deuteronomy 32:8-9 (ESV):
In this passage, “Elyon” refers to “the Most High,” which is a title used for God, and “YHWH” (Yahweh) refers to the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. The text describes how the nations were divided, and the Lord’s portion, or inheritance, is His people, Israel (often represented by Jacob).
The original Hebrew text of Deuteronomy 32:8-9 is as follows:
Deuteronomy 32:8-9 (Hebrew):
888 בְּהַנְחֵל עֶלְיוֹן גּוֹיִם בְּהַפְרִידוֹ בְּנֵי אָדָם יַצֵּב גְּבֻלֹת עַמִּים לְמִסְפַּר בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל׃
999 כִּי חֵלֶק יְהוָה עַמּוֹ יַעֲקֹב חֶבֶל נַחֲלָתוֹ׃
Transliteration:
Deuteronomy 32:8:
- Behanchel Elyon goyim behafrido benei adam yatzev gevulot amim lemispar benei Yisrael.
Deuteronomy 32:9:
- Ki chelek Yahweh amo Ya’akov chevel nachalato.
Translation Notes:
- בְּהַנְחֵל עֶלְיוֹן (Behanchel Elyon): “When the Most High apportioned” or “gave as an inheritance.”
- בְּנֵי אָדָם (benei adam): “the sons of man,” often translated as “mankind.”
- בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (benei Yisrael): “the sons of Israel.”
- יְהוָה (Yahweh): The Tetragrammaton, the personal name of God.
- חֵלֶק (chelek): “portion” or “share.”
- חֶבֶל נַחֲלָתוֹ (chevel nachalato): “the lot of his inheritance.”
Interpretative Variations:
- The phrase “לְמִסְפַּר בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל” is sometimes translated as “according to the number of the children of Israel.” However, some ancient manuscripts, such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, suggest “sons of God” (בני אלהים), implying divine beings, which is reflected in some translations as “sons of God” or “angels of God.”
These verses are part of the “Song of Moses,” which speaks about God’s sovereignty and His special relationship with Israel. The translation and interpretation of these passages can vary based on textual traditions and theological perspectives.
Descendants of the Adamic Race
“Descendants of the Adamic Race” is a possible translation for בְּנֵי אָדָם (benei adam). This phrase highlights the idea of all humans being descendants of Adamic race.
Descendants of Israel
“Descendants of Israel”: Highlights the genealogical aspect, referring to those who trace their lineage back to Israel.
Elyon vs Elohim
Elyon (עֶלְיוֹן)
- Meaning: The term Elyon means “Most High” and is often used as a title for God to emphasize His supreme power and authority over all other beings and gods. It denotes the highest rank and is often used in contexts that stress God’s sovereignty.
- Usage: Elyon is frequently used in conjunction with other names for God to highlight His exalted status, such as in “El Elyon” (God Most High). It appears in several places in the Hebrew Bible, such as Psalms and Deuteronomy, often in poetic or elevated language.
- Context: It is used to describe God’s superiority and authority, particularly in relation to other deities or powers, as seen in passages like Genesis 14:18-20, where Melchizedek is described as “priest of God Most High.”
Elohim (אֱלֹהִים)
- Meaning: The term Elohim is a plural noun that is often used to refer to God in the Hebrew Bible, but it can also refer to gods in a general sense or even to judges or rulers in certain contexts. Despite its plural form, when referring to the God of Israel, it is usually understood as singular, indicating majesty and authority.
- Usage: Elohim is one of the most common names for God in the Hebrew Bible and is used throughout the text to refer to the Creator, the God of Israel. It appears in the very first verse of the Bible (Genesis 1:1) to describe God’s creative power.
- Context: Elohim is used in a wide range of contexts, from creation to lawgiving, and emphasizes God’s power, authority, and involvement with the world and His people.
Summary of Differences
- Elyon emphasizes God’s supreme status and is often used in contexts that highlight His exalted position over all things.
- Elohim is a more general term for God and highlights His power, creative authority, and governance. It can also refer to other divine beings in a broader sense.
Elyon
The Hebrew term עֶלְיוֹן (Elyon) can be translated in various ways, depending on the context and emphasis.
Here are some alternative translations for Elyon:
- “Most High”: The most common translation, emphasizing supreme authority and position.
- “Exalted One”: Highlights the elevated and revered status of God.
- “Supreme”: Focuses on the ultimate authority and power.
- “Highest”: Similar to “Most High,” stressing being above all others in rank and status.
- “Sovereign”: Reflects the aspect of ultimate control and governance.
- “Preeminent”: Conveys the idea of surpassing all others in excellence and rank.
- “Transcendent”: Highlights the notion of being above and beyond the ordinary realm.
Elyon in the Hebrew Bible
The term Elyon (עֶלְיוֹן) is used in several places in the Hebrew Bible, primarily to denote God’s supreme status and authority. Here are some notable instances where Elyon is used:
- Genesis 14:18-20:
- Context: Melchizedek, king of Salem, is described as a priest of “God Most High” (El Elyon) when he blesses Abram.
- Verse: “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High (El Elyon). And he blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High (El Elyon), Possessor of heaven and earth.'”
- Deuteronomy 32:8:
- Context: Part of the Song of Moses, describing God’s sovereignty over the nations.
- Verse: “When the Most High (Elyon) gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.”
- Psalm 7:17:
- Context: A psalm of David, expressing trust and praise for God’s righteousness.
- Verse: “I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High (Elyon).”
- Psalm 9:2:
- Context: A psalm of praise for God’s wonderful deeds.
- Verse: “I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High (Elyon).”
- Psalm 18:13:
- Context: David’s song of deliverance, praising God for rescue from enemies.
- Verse: “The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High (Elyon) uttered His voice.”
- Psalm 47:2:
- Context: A psalm celebrating God’s kingship over all the earth.
- Verse: “For the Lord Most High (Elyon) is awesome, a great King over all the earth.”
- Psalm 91:1:
- Context: A psalm of trust and protection under God’s care.
- Verse: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High (Elyon) will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
- Isaiah 14:14:
- Context: Part of a taunt against the king of Babylon, expressing his prideful ambition.
- Verse: “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High (Elyon).”
These instances illustrate how Elyon is used to emphasize God’s supreme authority, power, and exalted nature across various contexts in the Hebrew Bible.
Elyon (Most High)
├── YHWH (God of Israel)
│ ├── Jacob (Patriarch)
│ │ └── Tribes of Israel
│ ├── Moses (Prophet and Leader)
│ │ ├── Exodus (Deliverance from Egypt)
│ │ └── Lawgiver (Torah)
│ ├── Israel (Chosen People)
│ ├── Prophets (Messengers)
│ └── Kings of Israel
│ ├── Saul (First King)
│ ├── David (Warrior King)
│ └── Solomon (Wise King)
├── Melchizedek (King of Salem)
│ └── Priesthood of El Elyon
├── Kings of Babylon
│ ├── Nebuchadnezzar II (Conqueror)
│ └── Belshazzar (Feast and Fall)
├── Kings of Persia
│ ├── Cyrus (Liberator of Jews)
│ └── Darius (Administrator)
├── Pharaohs of Egypt
│ ├── Ramesses II (Great Builder)
│ ├── Akhenaten (Monotheistic Reformer)
│ └── Tutankhamun (Young King)
├── Assyrian Kings
│ ├── Sennacherib (Invader of Judah)
│ └── Ashurbanipal (Scholar King)
├── Other Notable Kings
│ ├── Ahab (King of Israel)
│ ├── Hezekiah (Reformer King of Judah)
│ ├── Josiah (Righteous King of Judah)
│ ├── Zedekiah (Last King of Judah)
│ └── Jehoshaphat (Allied with Ahab)
“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.’ And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
Genesis 14:18-20
Dividing the early humans
When the Most High (Elyon) gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.
Deuteronomy 32:8
Different Manuscript Traditions
- Masoretic Text (MT): The traditional Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible, which reads “according to the number of the sons of Israel.” This suggests that the number of nations is somehow connected to the descendants of Jacob (Israel), typically interpreted as 12, corresponding to the 12 tribes of Israel.
- Septuagint (LXX): The ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible reads “according to the number of the angels of God.” This suggests a more celestial or divine allocation of nations, possibly reflecting the belief that each nation was under the patronage of a divine being or angel.
- Dead Sea Scrolls: Some manuscripts found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, particularly the fragment 4QDeut, read “according to the number of the sons of God.” This is often understood to mean divine beings or angels, similar to the Septuagint.
Sons of God
The term “sons of God” (Hebrew: בְּנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים, benei ha-elohim) is generally understood in biblical literature to refer to divine beings, angelic figures, or members of a heavenly council. This terminology appears in other parts of the Bible, such as Genesis 6:2 and Job 1:6, where it denotes divine or supernatural beings.
Interpretations
- Divine Council View: Some scholars believe this verse suggests that God allocated the nations according to a divine council, assigning each nation to a particular divine being or angel. This view emphasizes a cosmic order where divine beings have stewardship over different nations.
- Israel-Centric View: Others focus on the Masoretic Text’s reference to “the sons of Israel,” suggesting that Israel’s unique status among nations is highlighted, with a particular divine relationship distinct from other nations.
