Many other gods

If the Father is the only God as you claim, then why is it written in Psalms 82:1, 6 that "He judges among the gods" and "you are gods"? And besides, what difference does it make if there are many true gods? Wouldn't it be better if there would be many gods? As the old adage goes, "the more the merrier."

Editor's reply:

In response to your question, let us begin by quoting Psalms 82:1 and 6 in their entirety:

"God stands in the congregation of the mighty; He judges among the gods.

"I said, 'You are gods, and all of youare children of the Most High'." (New Kings James Version)

The word "gods" in these verses refers to those whom God had placed as judges and leaders in the ancient nation of Israel. During the time of ancient Israel, the judges were called "gods" although they were men. They were called "gods" not because they were truly gods by nature, but because they were appointed to execute God's judgment in His nation. An example of this is mentioned in Exodus 21:6:

"Then his master shall bring him to GOD, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost; and his master shall bore ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for life." (Revised Standard Version, emphasis ours)

The same verse rendered in the New International Version of the Bible says:

"Then his master must take him before the JUDGES. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life." (emphasis ours)

Notice that the word "god" in the verse was used in reference to the judges. In the same manner, the "congregation of the mighty" mentioned in Psalms 82:1 and 6 refers to the judges in ancient Israel--and not to many gods as if there were more than one God. Another proof that the word "gods" in Psamls 82:1 and 6 refers to the judges is the fact that they were condemned by the true God to die like mere men:

"How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? "But you will die like mere men; you will fall like every other ruler." (Ps 82:2,7 NIV)

"Gods" in Psalms 82:1 and 6 must not be used to support the claim of plurality of gods. The belief in may other gods contradicts the teaching of the Bible that there is only one God, the Father in heaven (I Cor. 8:6), who Himself said, "...there is no God besides Me" (Is 45:5, NKJV).

It is very important for one to have the right knowledge about God. According to Jesus Christ, to know and believe that the Father is the only true God is to gain eternal life (Jn. 17:1,3). On the other hand, those who do not know the true God will be condemned (II Thess. 1:8-9). Regarding the belief in the true God, the adage "the more the merrier" does not apply at all.

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