Psalms 108:5

KJV

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth;

KJV (with Strong's)

Be thou exalted {H7311}, O God {H430}, above the heavens {H8064}: and thy glory {H3519} above all the earth {H776};

Complete Jewish Bible

Be exalted, God, above heaven! May your glory be over all the earth,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens, And thy glory above all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 108:5 is a fervent and declarative prayer that encapsulates the psalmist's profound trust in God's unparalleled majesty and universal dominion. It proclaims God's supreme position, asserting His inherent splendor and honor not only above the highest celestial realms but also extending over and demanding recognition from the entirety of the earth. This verse serves as a foundational statement of unwavering faith and confidence, preceding and underpinning a subsequent plea for divine intervention and victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 108 is a unique composition, skillfully compiled from two earlier Davidic psalms: [Psalm 57:7-11](/psalms/57-7-11 "Psalm 57:7-11 - A Prayer of Trust and Praise") and [Psalm 60:5-12](/psalms/60-5-12 "Psalm 60:5-12 - A Lament and Prayer for Victory"). The psalm opens with a resolute declaration of personal commitment to praise, stating, "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise" ([Psalms 108:1](/psalms/108-1 "Psalm 108:1 - A Fixed Heart for Praise")). This unwavering devotion sets the theological stage for the subsequent verses, which transition into an earnest supplication for divine assistance and triumph in battle. Verse 5, positioned early in this structure, functions as the theological bedrock upon which the psalmist's subsequent requests are built. It is a confident assertion of God's inherent greatness and transcendent power that both precedes and undergirds the plea for help, demonstrating that the psalmist's hope and petition are firmly rooted in the immutable character of the God he addresses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to David, Psalms 108 likely reflects a period of significant national crisis or military conflict, as evidenced by the later verses' fervent pleas for victory against formidable enemies (e.g., [Psalms 108:11-13](/psalms/108-11-13 "Psalm 108:11-13 - Plea for Divine Aid in Battle")). In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, it was common for kings and nations to invoke their deities before engaging in warfare. However, Israel's monotheistic faith presented a distinctly different perspective. Unlike the localized or limited gods of surrounding nations, Yahweh was understood as the singular Creator and Sovereign over all nations, all peoples, and the entire cosmos. The declaration "above the heavens" and "above all the earth" directly challenges any polytheistic notions or attempts to confine God's power or influence to a specific territory. It asserts His universal dominion and absolute transcendence, a core tenet of Israelite theology that profoundly distinguished their God from all others and provided an unparalleled source of confidence in times of national peril.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's Transcendence and Supremacy**, emphasizing His position as infinitely higher and greater than all creation, including the highest celestial bodies. He is not merely part of creation but stands sovereignly over it, a concept reinforced by passages like [Psalm 113:4](/psalms/113-4 "Psalm 113:4 - God's Glory Above the Heavens"). Secondly, it proclaims **Universal Glory**, declaring that God's inherent splendor, honor, and reputation are not confined but extend over and should be recognized by all of humanity and throughout the entire world. His glory is meant to be acknowledged universally, as seen in the prophetic vision of [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Whole Earth Full of His Glory"). Finally, the verse functions as a fervent call to **Worship and Adoration**, urging the exaltation of God. It is a declarative act of worship, acknowledging His intrinsic worthiness to receive the highest praise and adoration from all beings, a sentiment powerfully echoed in the heavenly worship described in [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Revelation 4:11 - Worthy Are You, Our Lord and God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Exalted (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** From H7311, a primitive root meaning "to be high actively, to rise or raise." When applied to God, this term signifies His inherently elevated position, supreme authority, and majestic nature. It is not a request for God to become something He is not, but rather a declarative recognition and affirmation of His eternal and unchanging state of being supremely high above all things. It often carries the connotation of being lifted up in praise or honor, reflecting the appropriate human response to His divine sovereignty.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, the plural of אֱלוֹהַּ, used specifically (especially with the article) of the supreme God. This term emphasizes God's divine power, majesty, and unique status as the one true God, distinct from any lesser deities or human authorities. Its plural form can also denote intensity or the fullness of deity, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the divine being addressed.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From H3519, meaning "weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness; glory, honour." In a theological context, _kâbôwd_ refers to God's inherent excellent character, His visible manifestation of presence and power, and the honor attributed to Him. It is the radiant expression of His being, His intrinsic worth, and the awe-inspiring display of His attributes. The psalmist declares that this inherent splendor is not confined but extends universally.
* **Heavens (Hebrew, _shâmayim'_):** From H8064, the dual of an unused singular, meaning "the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve); air, heaven(-s)." This term refers to the celestial spheres, representing the highest reaches of creation. To be "above the heavens" signifies God's transcendence over all created order, even that which is perceived as highest and most distant.
* **Earth (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From H776, meaning "the earth (at large, or partitively a land); country, ground, land, world." This term denotes the terrestrial realm, encompassing all land and humanity. To be "above all the earth" signifies God's universal dominion and the global reach of His glory, implying that His honor and renown should be recognized and celebrated by all peoples across the entire globe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens:"** This opening clause, though phrased as an imperative, functions primarily as a declarative prayer and an act of worshipful affirmation. It is a fervent call for God's inherent supreme position to be recognized, acknowledged, and honored by all creation. The phrase "above the heavens" unequivocally signifies God's absolute transcendence and His unchallengeable sovereignty over all created order, including the celestial spheres. In ancient cosmologies, the heavens were often considered the abode of various deities or the ultimate limit of existence; here, the psalmist asserts that the God of Israel is not merely the highest being within creation but is entirely distinct from and infinitely superior to it.
* **"and thy glory above all the earth;"** This second clause powerfully parallels the first, extending the scope of God's supremacy from the celestial to the terrestrial realm. "Thy glory" refers to God's intrinsic worth, His radiant majesty, and the manifest expression of His divine character and power. The phrase "above all the earth" declares that this inherent glory is not confined to a specific land, people, or temple but is universal in its reach and ought to be universally acknowledged and celebrated. It implies that God's honor, reputation, and manifest presence should be seen, experienced, and proclaimed by all humanity and throughout every aspect of the entire world, permeating all existence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 108:5 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message with emphasis and poetic beauty. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line ("and thy glory above all the earth") reiterates and expands upon the thought of the first line ("Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens"). This repetition with slight variation serves to intensify the message, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of God's supremacy and glory through poetic rhythm and balance. The use of "above the heavens" and "above all the earth" also functions as a form of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or extreme parts are used to represent the whole. In this case, it signifies that God's exaltation and glory encompass *everything* from the highest celestial realms to the lowest parts of the terrestrial world, demonstrating His absolute and all-encompassing dominion. Furthermore, the declaration itself functions as a **Hymnic Imperative**, a command or exhortation that is less about instructing God and more about expressing the psalmist's fervent desire and confident assertion of God's rightful, eternal place of honor. This direct address to God is also an example of **Apostrophe**, a figure of speech where the speaker directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or an abstract concept, here used to convey profound reverence and direct communion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 108:5 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty, infinite majesty, and transcendent glory. It is a declaration that frames all human existence, all creation, and all prayer within the reality of a God who is utterly distinct from and infinitely superior to His creation, yet whose glory is meant to pervade and be recognized throughout all of it. This verse reminds us that our worship and petitions must always begin with an acknowledgment of who God is—not merely a powerful being among many, but the supreme, glorious One who stands above all. It connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's unique identity as the only true God, whose worthiness of praise is inherent and universal, serving as the ultimate foundation for faith, the ultimate source of hope, and the ultimate goal of all creation's existence.

* [Psalms 113:4](/psalms/113-4 "Psalm 113:4 - God's Glory Above the Heavens")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Whole Earth Full of His Glory")
* [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Worthy Are You, Our Lord and God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 108:5 offers a profound and stabilizing anchor for the believer in a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and the relentless pursuit of fleeting glories. By declaring God's exaltation "above the heavens" and His glory "above all the earth," the psalmist invites us to lift our gaze beyond our immediate circumstances, personal struggles, and earthly concerns, and to fix our hearts and minds on the unchanging, sovereign God. This declaration is not merely a theological statement to be assented to, but a profound call to a posture of worship, humility, and unwavering trust. When we truly grasp God's supreme position and universal glory, our personal anxieties and perceived limitations diminish in comparison to His infinite greatness, and our prayers are infused with a deeper confidence, knowing that we are addressing the One who holds all things in His hands and whose power knows no bounds. This truth challenges us to live lives that authentically reflect this reality, allowing God's glory to be manifest through our actions, words, and priorities, thereby making His name known and exalted "above all the earth" in our spheres of influence and beyond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God's exaltation "above the heavens" transform your perspective on your daily challenges, anxieties, or perceived limitations?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can you seek to make God's "glory above all the earth" more evident through your life, work, and relationships?**
* **How does the declaration of God's universal glory impact your understanding of and participation in global missions and evangelism?**
* **Before presenting your specific requests to God, how might pausing to declare His supreme majesty and universal glory profoundly transform the nature and depth of your prayer life?**

### FAQ

**Is Psalms 108:5 a command for God to become exalted, or a declaration of His existing state?**

Answer: While phrased as an imperative ("Be thou exalted"), Psalms 108:5 is primarily a declaration and an act of worship, rather than a command for God to change His inherent state. God is eternally and inherently exalted and glorious; He does not need human commands to become so. The psalmist is not asking God to *become* something He is not, but rather expressing a fervent desire for God's existing, supreme exaltation and universal glory to be recognized, acknowledged, celebrated, and honored by all creation. It is an affirmation of His unchanging nature and a call for humanity to respond appropriately to His intrinsic majesty. This is similar to how believers pray "Hallowed be your name" in the Lord's Prayer ([Matthew 6:9](/matthew/6-9 "Matthew 6:9 - The Lord's Prayer")), not because God's name isn't already holy, but because they desire it to be reverenced and treated as holy by all people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound declaration of God's exaltation and universal glory in Psalms 108:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament longed for the full manifestation of God's glory, it is in Christ that "the glory of God" is most perfectly seen and understood, shining forth "in the face of Jesus Christ" ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God")). He is described as the "radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Supremacy of Christ")), embodying the very essence of the divine. Through His incarnation, His sacrificial death on the cross, His triumphant resurrection, and His glorious ascension, Jesus was supremely exalted by God the Father, receiving "the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ")). Thus, the psalmist's cry for God's glory to be "above all the earth" is realized in the universal Lordship and cosmic supremacy of Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God, and through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - The Supremacy of Christ")). In Him, the divine glory is not only declared but fully embodied, made accessible, and ultimately displayed, inviting all to acknowledge the exalted God through His Son.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 57:5

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.

Matthew 6:9

¶ After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Matthew 6:10

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.

1 Chronicles 29:10

¶ Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed [be] thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

1 Chronicles 29:13

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

Psalms 148:13

Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven.

Psalms 72:19

And blessed [be] his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled [with] his glory; Amen, and Amen.