Lesser “gods” In The Bible
Blog Contents
Lesser “gods” In The Bible?
“Lesser gods” in the Bible? Yes. Does that make Christianity polytheist? No. Uncomfortable to hear? Sure, but before you think this is heretical, read on.
Michael Heiser’s Deuteronomy 32 worldview offers a well-researched and accurate understanding of biblical texts, focusing on YHWH and lesser “gods” in a Divine Council. Initially challenging and potentially triggering, especially when “elohim” is bluntly translated as “gods,” it suggests polytheism. However, “elohim” has multiple uses in the Bible, primarily meaning “disembodied spirits.” The initial complexity has a deeper monotheistic context where ALL disembodied spirits are elohim but no other elohim is like YHWH.
Understanding this is crucial for grasping biblical complexities.
New? Start Here
Watch Dr. Michael S. Heiser’s video on the Unseen Realm to get a solid foundation. It’s eye-opening and might be triggering. Remember, we believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit: One God, three distinct persons. We’ll debunk Trinity myths another time.
Unmasking the lesser gods in the Spiritual Realm
Ephesians 6:12 reveals our battles are not just physical but against real spiritual forces, often dismissed as vague but very real.
The Fall in Eden
Humanity’s first major transgression was in Eden. Along with Genesis 6:1-4 and Babel, these events significantly shaped human history.
Unravelling Genesis
Genesis 6:1-4 describes “sons of God” (spirit beings) taking human wives, leading to the Nephilim – giants known for their wickedness. This corruption prompted the Great Flood. While some prefer the “Sethite” view, the “spiritual being” interpretation aligns with numerous biblical references.
Understanding Babel
Deuteronomy 32:8 shows God dispersed the nations under the “sons of God,” not the “sons of Israel” (as Israel didn’t exist yet), i.e., “lesser gods.” The Septuagint and Dead Sea Scrolls support this, despite most Bibles not reflecting it. Psalm 82 in Hebrew (accessible via The Blueletter Bible) can clarify this.
Rogue Elohim or Lesser gods
Spirit beings assigned to nations went rogue. Psalm 82 depicts God judging these “elohim” in His Divine Council, contributing to global spiritual and moral decline.
The Role of The Crucifixion & Pentecost
Despite God’s efforts to draw people to worship Him, humanity failed. Jesus, the Son of God incarnate, was sent to die for our sins, redeeming us. At Pentecost, God showed His authority over rebellious spiritual powers. The Holy Spirit enabled apostles to speak diverse languages, restoring God’s dominion and uniting humanity, reversing Babel.
Fullness Of The Gentiles
Paul urges us to arm ourselves with God’s armour—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God (Ephesians 6:11). These tools protect against spiritual threats. Paul links Jesus Christ’s return to the “fullness of the Gentiles.” The dark powers, knowing they were defeated at Jesus’ crucifixion, seek to distract us from the Gospel.
Now What?
Our duty is to spread the gospel diligently, ensuring all hear God’s salvation message, aligning with His desire for universal repentance and grace. Ephesians 1:13: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” Know the Gospel, share it, and move on – it’s up to them to believe.
For more on this, read this post of ours.
