Understanding the Divine Council: God and the Supernatural Realm

The Bible is a supernatural book about a supernatural being surrounded by supernatural beings. Yet many churches and denominations intentionally distort this reality, focusing only on human behavior while neglecting to explain the supernatural forces at work in our world.

How can we protect our life in Christ if we don't acknowledge that supernatural entities want to destroy us? If angels can appear to us without us recognizing them, what about demons? Understanding the supernatural realm helps us better comprehend the spiritual battle we face.

The Controversy of Psalm 82

Many Christians object to the plain meaning of Psalm 82, which describes God standing in the "divine council" and judging among the "gods" (Elohim). Some argue this is God the Father speaking to other members of the Trinity, but this interpretation creates serious theological problems.

If the beings in Psalm 82 are members of the Trinity who failed to keep justice (as the psalm states), and God is going to destroy them, that's heretical. The Trinity cannot sin, or our redemption would be impossible.

Are the "Sons of God" Just Human Beings?

Others claim the "sons of God" in Psalm 82 are merely human beings, perhaps Jewish leaders. This view is deeply flawed for several reasons:

• Scripture never teaches that Jewish leaders were put in authority over other nations.
• Israel was commanded to be separate from other nations, not rule them.The term "Elohim" refers to supernatural beings, not humans.

What Does "Elohim" Actually Mean?

"Elohim" is a term that refers to place of residence - it indicates supernatural beings. Throughout Scripture, Elohim consistently refers to supernatural entities:

• Over 2,000 times it refers to the God of Israel
• It describes members of the divine council (Psalm 82)
• It's used when warning against following "other gods"
• It refers to demons in some passages
• It is used for Samuel's shade when called up by the witch of Endor
• It describes angels

When you examine all instances where "Elohim" appears, it consistently refers to supernatural beings, not humans. This pattern is unmistakable.

The Divine Assembly in Heaven

Scripture clearly places this divine council in heaven, not on earth:

• Psalm 89:5-7 mentions "the assembly of the holy ones" in "the skies"
• Job 1:6 and 2:1 describe "the sons of God" presenting themselves before the Lord, with Satan among them
• Psalm 29:1-2 calls on "heavenly beings" to worship the Lord

These passages make no sense if we're talking about human beings.

Does This Mean the Bible Teaches Polytheism?

Some object that acknowledging other supernatural beings promotes polytheism. This misunderstands both the Bible and the concept of "god."

The term "Elohim" is about attributes and residence, not equality with Yahweh. The Bible clearly teaches a hierarchy:

• Yahweh (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) - supreme and unique
• Other Elohim, sons of God, supernatural beings - created and subordinate

The Bible repeatedly affirms there are other supernatural beings while maintaining Yahweh's absolute supremacy:

• "Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods?" (Exodus 15:11)
• "There is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath" (1 Kings 8:23)
• "You, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods" (Psalm 97:9)

If these "gods" don't exist, these statements become meaningless. The Bible isn't saying these beings don't exist; it's declaring Yahweh's superiority over them.

Why Does God Have a Divine Council?

God doesn't "need" a council. The better question is: Why is there a council?

God doesn't need anything or anyone. He doesn't need humans for evangelism, yet He uses us. Similarly, God allows supernatural beings to participate in His divine governance.

This doesn't diminish God's sovereignty. He could terminate evil instantly and bring human history to an end at any moment. Instead, He works through both supernatural beings and humans to accomplish His purposes.

Are These "Gods" Real Entities?

Some argue these gods are merely idols of wood and stone. But Scripture is clear that real spiritual entities are behind idol worship:

"They sacrificed to demons that were no gods, to gods they had never known" (Deuteronomy 32:17)

Paul warns believers against "fellowshipping with demons" (1 Corinthians 10:20), connecting this to Israel's failure in worshiping other gods.

People wouldn't continue worshiping something if they received nothing in return. Behind the physical idols were real spiritual entities - fallen supernatural beings.

What About Jesus as the "Only Begotten Son"?

If there are other "sons of God," how is Jesus the "only begotten Son"?

The phrase "only begotten" (monogenes) is often misunderstood. It doesn't mean "only birthed" but rather "unique, one of a kind." The root isn't from gennao (to beget) but from genos (kind or class).

This is proven in Hebrews 11:17, where Isaac is called Abraham's monogenes, even though Abraham had another son. It means Isaac was unique, not that he was Abraham's only son.

Jesus is the unique, one-of-a-kind Son of God. Other supernatural beings may be "sons of God," but Jesus stands alone in His nature and relationship with the Father.

Life Application

Understanding the supernatural realm has practical implications for our faith:

• Recognize the spiritual battle: We face supernatural opposition, not just human challenges. As Paul wrote, "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against... spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).

• Appreciate God's supremacy: While acknowledging other supernatural beings, we can rejoice that our God is infinitely superior to all other powers.

• Read Scripture more accurately: When we understand the supernatural worldview of the Bible, many passages become clearer and more coherent.

Questions to Consider:

• How might acknowledging the reality of supernatural beings change how I pray and approach spiritual warfare?
• In what ways have I unintentionally diminished parts of Scripture by interpreting supernatural elements as merely symbolic?
• How does understanding Jesus as the "unique Son of God" rather than the "only son of God" enhance my appreciation of His special relationship with the Father?
• What comfort can I draw from knowing that while other supernatural powers exist, none compare to the God I serve?