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?
Stay tuned for an in-depth look at what the Divine Council of Yahweh is and how understanding that will change the way you understand the Bible.
Episode 15 is my interview with Dr. Mike Heiser.
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
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Email | TuneIn | RSS
To order The Unseen Realm, listeners can go to http://theunseenrealm.com
If you’re already reading the book, http://moreunseenrealm.com is a fantastic resource.
Thanks Nate.
I’m a simple woman so even though I know Dr. Heiser is breaking it down in its simplest form, I’m still confused — is he advocating, in reference to the Godhead, is he saying God is two beings sharing power? I’m fine with the divine beings living in the spirit realm and all that. In the Christian Speculative fiction community, where I reside, this isn’t a new idea but I’m confused as what He’s saying about God.
From what I’m hearing, he’s saying the instead of a Trinity there’s a Dual Union of God-ness? I believe I’ve seen this idea somewhat portrayed in a Christian Speculative fiction saga I’ve read. It’s a retelling of Noah (Windows of Heaven series by K. G. Powderly) where the writer depicts this but I don’t want to put my understanding of what Dr. Heiser is saying.
Hi Parker:
Here is a link to Mike Heiser’s Divine Council resource page – http://www.thedivinecouncil.com/ This site provides a wealth of information for more study. In a nutshell, the Divine Council is the group of divine beings — seraphim, cherubim, and malakim — who make up the court of God. It’s referenced most notably in I Kings 22:19-23 and Psalm 82. Here is how Heiser defines it on his site: “The term divine council is used by Hebrew and Semitics scholars to refer to the heavenly host, the pantheon of divine beings who administer the affairs of the cosmos. All ancient Mediterranean cultures had some conception of a divine council. The divine council of Israelite religion, known primarily through the psalms, was distinct in important ways.”
Enjoy your research!
Mike
Hi Parker,
I suggest you start with his new book (comes out November 10) called Supernatural. Supernatural is a very approachable and simple book that begins to explain and introduce many of the topics found in great detail within The Unseen Realm.
Here’s the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1577995589/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1577995589&linkCode=as2&tag=lexhampress-20&linkId=7AWE2NZ6OFLOKQJC
Thank you for the suggestion.
Thank you.
Comments are closed.