Why Are There Different Gods Over Different Nations? — Part 1 | Michael Heiser

Part 2: https://youtu.be/xG2teqZWgmg Michael Heiser explains that God's judgment on humanity reflects a pattern: after humanity's rebellion, God first expelled them, then sent the flood, but both failed to correct their rebellion. Now, God has effectively “divorced” humanity by assigning various nations to lesser divine beings or “sons of God” (spiritual entities called Elohim), who are meant to govern these nations justly but instead became corrupt and took worship meant for God. These beings even led the Israelites astray, as seen in Deuteronomy 32 where Israelites sacrificed to “Shadim,” territorial supernatural entities often mistranslated as demons. Heiser emphasizes that the biblical term Elohim is plural and applies broadly to divine beings, not solely to the God of Israel, so the Bible acknowledges multiple supernatural beings but distinguishes Yahweh as unique and sovereign. Psalm 82 depicts God judging these other divine beings for their failure, reinforcing God's supreme authority. Jesus, in John 10, quotes Psalm 82 to make a theological point: there are supernatural beings above humans, but He is uniquely one with God, not just one among the “sons of God.” Heiser critiques evangelical Christianity for downplaying the biblical supernatural worldview, which includes a complex spiritual realm with real divine councils, judgment, and spiritual powers affecting nations. This view challenges modern rationalist perspectives but aligns with biblical texts and ancient Israelite theology. #God #Bible #michaelheiser #Faith #Jesus #Christianity #Religion #Spirituality #Prayer #Church #Worship