It’s a concept that’s wrestled with beautifully in Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Exodus.

The verse "I will sing to the Lord, for He is exalted" (Exodus 15:1) becomes the starting point for a fascinating exploration. It's linked to the verse “Adorn yourself now with majesty and excellence” (Job 40:10). The idea? Everything tries to assert its dominance, to exalt itself in some way. : Darkness reigns over the depths, literally positioned above them. The wind lords over the water, and fire above the wind. The heavens, in turn, stand above the fire. Each element seemingly trying to outdo the one below.

But God… God is above it all. As the text states, "For He is exalted [ga’o ga’a]." That double term, ga’o ga’a, it's not just a repetition. It amplifies the idea. It emphasizes that God's exaltation is beyond compare, beyond anything else we can comprehend.

Rabbi Avin offers an intriguing perspective. He says that four exalted beings were created in this world: Man, the eagle, the ox, and the lion. Each is supreme in its own sphere – humankind among living creatures, the eagle among birds, the ox among domesticated animals, and the lion among wild beasts. These four were given kingship, prominence, and a very specific role.

And here’s where it gets truly fascinating: these four are fixed beneath the chariot of the Holy One, blessed be He. The vision of Ezekiel (1:10) comes to mind: "The likeness of their faces…the face of a man…the face of a lion…the face of an ox…the face of an eagle."

Why this arrangement? To keep them in check. To ensure they don't become overly proud or arrogant. So they remember that there is a higher power, a higher kingdom above them.

It reminds us of the passage in Ecclesiastes (5:7): "For One higher than high watches, and there are higher than they." Or, to put it another way, "For He is exalted."

So, what’s the takeaway here? Perhaps it's a reminder of humility. A call to recognize the inherent hierarchy of existence, and where we fit within it. Even the most powerful, the most majestic among us, are ultimately subject to a higher authority. It’s a beautiful and humbling thought, isn't it? A reminder that true greatness lies not in exalting ourselves, but in recognizing the One who is truly exalted.