Psalm 82:1 in the NASB says, “God takes His stand in His own congregation; He judges in the midst of the rulers.” Note that “rulers” used here in the NASB is better translated “gods” or elohim.
This same passage in the ESV says, “God has taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment.” This is a better translation from the original Hebrew.
The Old Testament gives a clear picture of Yahweh utilizing a divine council of elohim to administer the affairs of the cosmos. Indeed the Israelites believed in a multitude of elohim but only assigned certain characteristics to one elohim, the divine name Hashem. Is this news to you?
Episode 15 is my interview with Dr. Mike Heiser on Soaring Eagle Radio. Listen here.
Dr. Mike Heiser is the Scholar-in-Residence at Logos Bible Software. He holds a Ph.D. in Hebrew and Semitic Studies from the University of Wisconsin and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin in Hebrew and Semitic Studies and the University of Pennsylvania in Ancient History with a focus on Egypt and Syria-Palestine.
His websites for more information are:
Main site with a wealth of Bible studies and resources – http://drmsh.com/
His books The Facade and The Unseen Realm – http://www.readthefacade.com/
Divine Council information – http://www.thedivinecouncil.com/
This episode and every episode can be discussed on the SER website – www.soaringeagleradio.com
