Who are the lower case gods in the Bible?

In the Bible, the concept of lower case gods refers to beings or entities that are sometimes mentioned in the Old Testament. These lower case gods are often seen as supernatural beings or divine beings that are subordinate to the one true God. While the idea of lower case gods may seem contrary to the monotheistic beliefs of Christianity, understanding their role in the Bible can provide insight into the complex cosmology of ancient Israelite religion.

One of the most well-known instances of lower case gods in the Bible can be found in the book of Psalms. In Psalm 82:1, it states, “God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment.” This verse depicts a scene in which the one true God presides over a council of lesser divine beings, often referred to as "gods." These lower case gods are seen as delegated authorities who assist in carrying out God’s will and dispensing justice.

Another reference to lower case gods can be found in the book of Exodus. In Exodus 15:11, it says, “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” This verse acknowledges the existence of other divine beings or gods, but affirms that the one true God, Yahweh, is superior and incomparable in holiness and power.

In the ancient Near East, belief in the existence of lower case gods was common, and Israelite religion was no exception. The Israelites may have recognized the existence of other divine beings, but they maintained that Yahweh was the supreme God and the only one deserving of worship and devotion. The concept of lower case gods served to illustrate the hierarchy of divine beings and the unique status of Yahweh as the creator and ruler of the universe.

While the idea of lower case gods may be less prominent in the Bible compared to other theological concepts, their presence sheds light on the rich tapestry of beliefs and practices in ancient Israelite religion. The acknowledgment of lower case gods reflects the complexity of Israel’s religious beliefs and their interaction with the surrounding cultures of the ancient Near East.

It is important to note that the concept of lower case gods in the Bible does not imply the existence of multiple gods in the same sense as in polytheistic religions. Rather, these lower case gods are understood as divine beings or spiritual authorities that are subordinate to the one true God, Yahweh. The Bible affirms the monotheistic belief in the existence of only one supreme God, while acknowledging the existence of other divine beings in a subordinate capacity.