‘gods‘ was used to describe people who issued decrees on God’s behalf in the Old Testament. All popularly misunderstood texts are clear on this.
Beginning from Exodus 7:1 that says: “And the LORD said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: AND AARON THY BROTHER SHALL BE THY PROPHET“.
From this, it should already be clear that the ‘title‘ referred to how he will function and not who he is. Like ‘god’, he will issue decrees which will be communicated by Aaron…his ‘prophet‘.
The next verse clarifies: “Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh…” – Exodus 7:1-2.
This story would have been consistent with popular present-day theology if Aaron was also called “god”, and in fact, the entire camp of Israelites. But they weren’t because it was a ‘title‘ for magistrates. Or, are some of us gods and others prophets and the rest…just there? Not so.
This was the exact case in Psalm 82:6. To whom did it refer? Magistrates. Check the context: “God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods. HOW LONG WILL YE JUDGE unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.“
Psalm 82:1-2. Again here, not everyone was called gods, but the judges, and so because their commands were to be honoured as the very commands of God.
In reference to this text, Jesus said, “…he called them gods UNTO WHOM THE WORD OF GOD CAME…” – John 10:35.
Paul communicates this idea thus: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. WHOSOEVER THEREFORE RESISTETH THE POWER, RESISTETH THE ORDINANCE OF GOD: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” – Romans 13:1-2.
That’s how honorable judges are. They are Gods representatives. Calling them ‘gods’ is actually mere figure of speech.
The closest way to relate this to a believer is to say we are ambassadors for Christ. But never, was anyone called god because of the life he carried. Instead they are reminded that they will die like men.
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