THE GODS OF THE BIBLE – SPOILER: THE BIBLE IS NOT MONOTHEISTIC, SORRY CHRISTIANS.

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).

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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):

  1. Nisroch – Assyrian god; Sennacherib worships in his temple (2 Kgs 19:37).
  2. Rimmon – Syrian god; Naaman seeks pardon for bowing in his house (2 Kgs 5:18).
  3. Adrammelech and Anammelech – Sepharvites burn children to them (2 Kgs 17:31).
  4. Ashima – God of Hamath (2 Kgs 17:30).
  5. Nibhaz and Tartak – Gods of Avvites (2 Kgs 17:31).
  6. Nergal – God of Cuth (2 Kgs 17:30).
  7. 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).