Psalm 82

[Cruxis117]

[BIBLEDRB]Psalm 82:1[/BIBLEDRB]

I have been shown this verse, which is to suggest that the Jews believed in a polythiestic religion, rather than what we understand as Judaism. In my RSV-CE 2, it says “among the Angels”, but I want to know how we can interpret this verse.

 

[Della]

From the Haydock Bible Commentary:

Of gods. Hebrew, “of God,” who presides in his own council, and gives authority to others. (Amama) — Yet Syriac has, “the angels;” Chaldean, “the just;” Protestants, “the mighty;” and Aquila, “the powerful ones.” (Haydock) — Gods here are put for judges, who act in God’s name, Deuteronomy i. 17., and Exodus xxii. 28. To decide affairs of consequence, the priests and other judges met in the temple; and the Romans did the like, each senator offering incense and wine to the god who was honoured in that place. (Suetonius in Aug. xxxv.) (Calmet) — All magistrates ought to be equally careful in what they determine, as if they heard God present giving them the following instructions. (Worthington) — Judgeth gods, or “God, our Saviour, is judged.”

It seems to mean either that God keeps his own council–not needing any others to consult with or that it is refers to those who act in God’s name, as cited in the quote. Either way it in no way implies there are other gods or that the Hebrews were to worship other gods. Whenever they did worship other gods/idols God severely punished them as is clearly seen in several places in the OT.