The Divine Council

The DIVINE COUNCIL is NOT a group of equal gods, but a structured hierarchy of created beings often called sons of God, heavenly host, holy ones, or watchers who serve under God. 

They participate in God's governance, to carry out His will and sometimes engage in divine decision-making processes, though God remains in control. 

Key biblical passages cited by scholars as depicting the divine council include:

• NIV Psalm 82:1: God presides in the great assembly; He renders judgement among the "gods" referring to powerful, non-human entities for their unjust rule over the nations.
• NIV Job 1–2: The "sons of God" assemble in the presence of the Lord and Satan appears among them to present his case against Job.
• NIV 1 Kings 22:19-23: The prophet Micaiah has a vision of the Lord seated on His throne, with "all the multitudes of heaven standing around him" and deliberating on how to bring about the downfall of King Ahab.  
• NIV Genesis 1:26: God says, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness," which some scholars interpret as God speaking to His divine council.
• NIV Deuteronomy 32:8-9: The Most High divided the nations and allotted them to the "sons of God," while reserving Israel as His own portion. 

Significance: 

The concept of the divine council helps to frame the biblical narrative. Explaining the existence of spiritual conflict, the origins of idolatry and God's plan to reclaim all nations through Christ. 

In the New Testament, the authority of the rebellious members of the council is broken by Jesus' death and resurrection and believers are ultimately destined to share in Christ's reign and judge these fallen spiritual beings. 

CLICK HERE to learn about the Great Commission.