What or who is the congregation of the mighty? Is it a group of other Gods?

Question

Psalms 82:1 God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth AMONG the gods.

Gen.1:26 And God said, Let US make man in OUR image, after our likeness....

Answer 1

This verse is obscure in almost all English translations.
The reason is because of the use of the word Elohim, which is a plural form for the common word for God, whether in the singular or plural.

Young's literal translation renders it this way:

"God hath stood in the company of God, In the midst God doth judge. "

The verse reads most literally:
"God (Elohim) stands amidst the assembly of the gods (elohim); He judges in the midst of the judges (elohim)."

You see, the word Elohim is most commonly referring to God, the True God, the one set forth as the Creator. However depending upon the context, the word can also be translated by the word "gods", referring to either false gods, or lesser spiritual beings. One example of this is found in Psalm 8:5 which reads in the Hebrew: "Thou hast made him (man) a little lower than the gods (or than God - the word being Elohim)". However the translators of the Septuagint, the ancient translation of the Tanakh (Old Testament) into the Greek render this word "angels". So they interpreted the verse to be saying that the word elohim means here a lesser class of spirit beings, and therefore render it by the word angel.
Now, getting back to the verse in Psalm 82, to further complicate the matter, the word elohim also sometimes is to be understood as a reference to earthly appointed rulers, which are represented by the English word "judges".
The word judge in the Hebrew has a different connotation than the English use of the word. It denotes one who is in a position of God appointed authority to both rule and judge in matters related to his rule. For instance Samuel was one of the Judges of Israel. He did not merely preside over legal decisions, but he exercised authority as a ruler.

The only way we can determine the significance of the word then is by the context. As we continue to read the Psalm it becomes clear that God is speaking to His earthly appointees and reproving them for being remiss in their divinely delegated commission to govern God's people in justice and equity. Instead of judging fairly, they were using their position for personal advantage, thus misrepresenting God and abusing their office.

Hope that makes things a little clearer.
E-mail me if you have questions.

Answer 2

Sounds like a Divine Council to me!

There are instances of Divine Assemblies in all Polytheistic religions, and the Hebrews lived in a polytheistic region. Just because what is left of the ancient Hebrew texts reflects a monotheistic worldview does not make it so.

Many people are fond of pointing out that SOME ancient Greeks had a monotheistic bent to their philosopy. If only THOSE writings had survived from ancient times, people would assume that the Hellenic culture was monotheistic instead of POLYtheistic.

Answer 3

I think that picketing anyone's funeral, for any reason, should be against the law, same as the city ordinances against loud noise in a hospital zone. It's rude. But to picket specific people for the reasons that they do is just stupid, and most definitely NOT going to ever get their point across. Whatever their stupid point is. I think they should be arrested.

Answer 4

Those be thar Time Lords of Gallifrey!

We shall always return to the Loom from which You wove us...

Would you like a jelly baby?