Divine Beings Referred to as Gods or Elohim in the Bible (NRSVUE)The Bible uses terms like elohim (gods/God), elim (gods), and specific names for divine beings. Key structuring texts:
Deuteronomy 32:8–9: “When the Most High apportioned the nations, when he divided humankind, he fixed the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the gods; the LORD’s own portion was his people, Jacob his allotted share.”
Psalm 82:1, 6–7: “God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment… I say, ‘You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, you shall die like mortals, and fall like any prince.'”
Listed in order of explicit textual supremacy/authority (Most High → presiding judge → council members → named national gods).
Most High God (Elyon)
Other names: God Most High.
Attributes/Powers: Apportions nations, divides humankind, fixes boundaries of peoples.
Dominion: All nations/peoples (Deut 32:8).
Source of power/dominion: Inherent (no higher authority stated).
References: Deut 32:8; Ps 82:6; Gen 14:18–20, 22 (Abraham equates God Most High with the LORD).
The LORD (Yahweh)
Other names: God (Elohim, singular usage), God of Israel, God of Armies.
Attributes/Powers: Presides and holds judgment in the divine council (Ps 82:1); declares no god beside him (Deut 32:39); executes judgments against gods of Egypt (Exod 12:12); answers by fire (1 Kgs 18:38–39).
Dominion: Jacob/Israel as allotted portion (Deut 32:9); all the earth is his (Exod 19:5).
Source of power/dominion: Receives Jacob as allotted share from the Most High (Deut 32:9).
References: Throughout; Ps 82:1; Deut 32:9, 39; Exod 12:12; 1 Kgs 18.
Baal
Attributes/Powers: Invoked by prophets to send fire from heaven (no response, 1 Kgs 18:26–29).
Dominion/Nation: Canaanites; worshiped by Israelites at times (Judg 2:13).
Source of power/dominion: Not explicitly stated.
References: 1 Kgs 18:21–40; Judg 2:13; Hos 2:8.
Ashtoreth (Astarte)
Attributes/Powers: Goddess worshiped with sacred poles.
Dominion/Nation: Sidonians; worshiped by Israelites at times (Judg 2:13).
Source of power/dominion: Not explicitly stated.
References: 1 Kgs 11:5; Judg 2:13; 10:6.
Chemosh
Attributes/Powers: Receives human sacrifices; associated with giving land.
Dominion/Nation: Moab (Num 21:29).
Source of power/dominion: Gives land to Moabites to possess (Judg 11:24).
References: Num 21:29; Judg 11:24; 1 Kgs 11:7.
Milcom (also called Molech)
Attributes/Powers: Receives child sacrifices through fire.
Dominion/Nation: Ammonites.
Source of power/dominion: Not explicitly stated.
References: 1 Kgs 11:5, 7; Lev 18:21; 20:2–5.
Dagon
Attributes/Powers: Has a temple and statue; statue falls and breaks before the ark of the LORD (twice).
Dominion/Nation: Philistines.
Source of power/dominion: Not explicitly stated.
References: 1 Sam 5:2–7; Judg 16:23.
Bel (Marduk)
Attributes/Powers: Chief god carried as a burden (statue).
Dominion/Nation: Babylon.
Source of power/dominion: Not explicitly stated.
References: Isa 46:1.
Nebo (Nabu)
Attributes/Powers: God carried as a burden (statue).
Dominion/Nation: Babylon (paired with Bel).
Source of power/dominion: Not explicitly stated.
References: Isa 46:1.
Tammuz
Attributes/Powers: Women weep for him in the temple.
Dominion/Nation: Mesopotamian origin; worshiped in Jerusalem.
Source of power/dominion: Not explicitly stated.
References: Ezek 8:14.
Queen of Heaven
Attributes/Powers: Receives cakes, drink offerings; associated with prosperity claims.
Dominion/Nation: Worshiped by Judah exiles (likely Mesopotamian stellar goddess).
Source of power/dominion: Not explicitly stated.
References: Jer 7:18; 44:17–19.
Minor named gods (lower textual prominence):
Nisroch – Assyrian god; Sennacherib worships in his temple (2 Kgs 19:37).
Rimmon – Syrian god; Naaman seeks pardon for bowing in his house (2 Kgs 5:18).
Adrammelech and Anammelech – Sepharvites burn children to them (2 Kgs 17:31).
Ashima – God of Hamath (2 Kgs 17:30).
Nibhaz and Tartak – Gods of Avvites (2 Kgs 17:31).
Nergal – God of Cuth (2 Kgs 17:30).
Succoth-benoth – God of Babylonians (2 Kgs 17:30).
Collective unnamed references to other gods:
Gods of Egypt judged by plagues (Exod 12:12).
Gods of nations around Israel (Deut 6:14; Josh 24:15).
Members of divine council (Ps 82:1–7; Job 1:6 “sons of God”; Job 38:7 “sons of God”).
Source for council members: Boundaries fixed according to their number by the Most High (Deut 32:8).
