UASV’s Daily Devotional All Things Bible, Sunday, March 23, 2025

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Why Is Jehovah’s Name Alone to Be Exalted Above Earth and Heaven?

Psalm 148:13 declares, “Let them praise the name of Jehovah, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” This verse is part of a larger psalm that calls all creation—both in the heavens and on the earth—to give praise to Jehovah. The focus in verse 13 shifts specifically to the uniqueness and supreme authority of Jehovah’s name. It teaches that there is no other being whose name is worthy of the same honor, and that Jehovah alone reigns above all, in majesty and glory.

The call to “praise the name of Jehovah” is a call to honor not just His title, but His identity, reputation, character, and authority. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the “name” of Jehovah represents all that He is—His righteousness, power, justice, mercy, and holiness. Proverbs 18:10 affirms, “The name of Jehovah is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” To praise His name is to acknowledge His absolute authority and the security and hope found only in Him.

The psalmist then emphasizes that “his name alone is exalted.” This means that Jehovah is set apart above all creation and all other so-called powers. The Hebrew word for “exalted” (ram) implies being lifted high, in rank, honor, or majesty. Isaiah 2:11 supports this truth: “Jehovah alone will be exalted in that day.” No other god, no ruler, no creature can be compared with Him. He alone possesses infinite authority and is worthy of worship. This exclusive exaltation eliminates all possibility of shared glory with idols or man-made powers. Jehovah is not one among many; He is the only One exalted above all.

The next phrase, “his splendor is above the earth and the heavens,” affirms the surpassing glory of Jehovah. The Hebrew word for “splendor” (hod) conveys the idea of majesty, honor, and beauty that radiates from Him. His majesty extends beyond both the earth and the heavens—meaning all of created reality, both the visible and invisible realms. Psalm 113:4 expresses this similarly: “Jehovah is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.” Even the highest heavens cannot contain the fullness of Jehovah’s greatness.

Psalm 148 as a whole is structured to show the universal scope of Jehovah’s dominion. Verses 1–6 call upon heavenly beings—the sun, moon, stars, and angelic hosts—to praise Him. Verses 7–12 then shift to earthly creation—oceans, mountains, animals, kings, young men and women, old and young—to also offer praise. Verse 13 brings the entire created order together in unified worship, declaring that Jehovah alone is worthy because His name is above all, and His glory surpasses every created thing.

It is important to note that praise to Jehovah is not to be confused with mere appreciation or admiration. It is an act of recognizing His unmatched worth and submitting to His sovereign authority. Exodus 34:14 makes this exclusivity clear: “Do not worship any other god, for Jehovah, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” He does not share His glory with another, and only those who exalt Him alone walk rightly before Him.

Ultimately, Psalm 148:13 teaches that Jehovah’s name is uniquely worthy of praise because He alone is exalted in majesty and splendor. His glory exceeds the earth and the heavens, and all creation is summoned to honor Him. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true worship is directed to Jehovah alone—not to creation, not to men, not to false gods. His name stands alone in glory, and His greatness is worthy of unending praise.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).