Who are the "gods" mentioned in Psalm 82:1? Text of Psalm 82:1 “God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods.” Immediate Literary Context (Ps 82:2-7) The “gods” are charged with partiality, neglect of the poor, and perversion of justice (vv. 2-4). They are sentenced to “die like men” (v. 7). The language of courtroom indictment and execution squarely fits human magistrates (cf. 2 Chronicles 19:6-7). Human Rulers Called ʾĔlōhîm Elsewhere • Exodus 21:6; 22:8-9—judges settle cases “before the ʾĕlōhîm,” usually translated “the judges.” • 1 Samuel 2:25—Eli warns his sons that if a man sins against ʾĕlōhîm (the judge), no one can mediate. These passages form the legal background for Psalm 82’s courtroom scene. Jesus’ Authoritative Interpretation (John 10:34-36) Jesus cites Psalm 82:6—“I said you are gods”—arguing that if Scripture can call recipients of God’s word “gods,” it is no blasphemy for Him, the consecrated Son, to claim deity. He applies the term to human leaders, not to rival deities, safeguarding monotheism while exposing their failure to recognize the incarnate Judge standing before them. Angel-or Divine-Council View Considered Some note that ʾĕlōhîm may describe angels (Job 1:6; 38:7) and that Psalm 82:1 pictures God “in the midst” of a heavenly council. Yet: 1. Angels are nowhere condemned for social injustice; the charges of verses 2-4 are uniquely human. 2. Angels, as immortal spirits (Luke 20:36), would not “die like men.” 3. Verse 8’s plea, “Rise up, O God, judge the earth,” echoes the human-court imagery of Deuteronomy 1:17, reinforcing the earthly focus. Ancient Near-Eastern Parallels and Polemic Ugaritic texts speak of El presiding over a council of lesser gods. Psalm 82 deliberately repurposes that imagery: it places Yahweh alone as true Judge while demoting every other so-called “god”—whether magistrate or angel—to accountability and mortality. Archaeological finds at Ras Shamra (1928-) supply the comparative backdrop, highlighting the Bible’s unique assertion that the supreme God judges all. Systematic Theological Harmony Deut 6:4; Isaiah 43:10; 1 Corinthians 8:4 insist on one eternal God. Calling human judges “gods” is an honorific for delegated authority (Romans 13:1-4), not a concession to polytheism. Scripture describes the same reality in different genres without contradiction. Practical and Ethical Implications Psalm 82 warns every civil ruler, pastor, parent, or employer who wields derived authority. Failure to defend the weak invites divine censure. The psalm also anticipates the Messianic Judge (Acts 17:31), pressing every hearer toward repentance and faith in the risen Christ, the ultimate justifier (Romans 3:26). Conclusion The “gods” of Psalm 82:1 are best understood as human judges—Israel’s earthly authorities—invested with God-given power yet subject to His final judgment. The passage upholds strict monotheism, demonstrates the integrity of the biblical text, and foreshadows the righteousness and authority of Jesus Christ, who alone renders perfect justice. |
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