Other Gods: What the Bible Thinks about Other Nations' Deities

A webinar with Dr. Benjamin Sommer, professor of Bible and ancient Semitic languages, JTS.
Part of our series "The 'Other' in Jewish Text and Tradition"
This session is generously sponsored by the Messer family in memory of Susan Kortsen.
The Bible frequently instructs the nation Israel not to worship "other gods" (אלהים אחרים). But the Bible never actually states that these other gods do not exist. Praying to other gods would be an act of disloyalty for an Israelite, but not an absurdity-there are apparently other gods who would hear the prayers in question. In fact, the Bible regards it as perfectly appropriate for other nations to worship them, because the "other gods" are simply the gods of other nations. In this session, we will examine the biblical attitude toward these other gods and what their existence implies about other religions. We will see, paradoxically, that the Bible remains monotheistic, even though it acknowledges the existence of many deities.
Download sources: www.jtsa.edu/stuff/contentmgr/...

[@danb3657]

For further insight regarding gods, check out Part 1 of "Dr. Michael Heiser , Supernatural Seminar."

[@r.l.stolba9050]

You said that one day The Name will bring the nations into a unique relationship with Him separate from the Torah. I thought this description was beautiful. Why then are your saying that Christians cannot make the claims they make? According to the New Testament, God is doing in Christ exactly what you are saying God said He was going to do…Christ is bringing all flesh into a covenant relationship with The Name Above All Names and brining them out of the rule of the gods of this world. I entirely understand what you’re saying as what the gospel of the resurrection of Jesus claims He has done and is doing! It’s quite wonderful. I appreciate your Jewish insight.

[@joseephkhoury9420]

Great lecture. Hashem bless you Dr. Benjamin. What is the name of the book that Dr. Sommer mentioned where he critiques the Trinity?

[@advocateagainstantisemitism]

I am watching this 04/21/21 and not able to see the chat. Dr. Sommer mentions a website that we can go to , to look at several articles written not only by himself, but also other academia. Is there anyone out there who has the link to that website ?????

[@HoraceDobson]

did you ever find the link to that website?

[@stimmons86]

Great content, very suspecting conclusion.

[@joyflowers6693]

Thank you for this detailed lesson. The Bible does seem to acknowledge the existence of other deities, but usually always in a derogatory way, so it is an interesting and new thought for me that God would have appointed these deities over different areas and especially that God would be ok with people of other nations following deities that are opposed to Him. Through the prophets, many times He has called out nations for not following after Him. Territorily, though, I do remember the verse in Daniel 10:13 regarding Michael the Archangel fighting the prince of Persia before he could respond to Daniel's prayer, so it makes sense that there are territories that other deities reign over. I am curious, as a Christian how you place the verse in Phillipians 2:10-11 in light of everything you have talked about. That verse is: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This is similar to Isaiah 45:22-25 in that it's a plea to all the ends of the earth (all nations). Thank you!!

[@brendaw37]

Bravo in using biblical scripture in your explanation. Which give realism to your lecture 🎉

[@Donteatacowman]

I appreciate the point about the trinity being misunderstood. I was raised xtian, so whenever I hear people talk about the trinity now as not being monotheist, I'm like... "Huh?" I guess I think of xtianity as saturating so much of American culture - I'm always surprised that something so integral to the religion gets misinterpreted, even by rabbis, Jewish authors, etc., despite xtians being included under the Noahide laws (based on how I've seen them interpreted in modernity).

[@advocateagainstantisemitism]

Julia! you have such a beautiful smile :)

[@abdul-halimvazquez8200]

If the different nations are assigned different beings, is there a a specific named entity for the Ishmaelites and the Edomites. Or would those nations be assigned to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?

[@milkydud]

This was a great lesson. I suggest everyone go and buy expeditiously his works for more information on Benjamin Sommer

[@samsont7786]

1:08:40 the bible says the gods of the gentiles are demons (Deut 32:17, Psalms 106:37)

[@samsont7786]

@@Catherine-wt3st can you lease show me where Jesus said kill those who do not serve me?

[@knightmare8243]

@@samsont7786 Luke 19:27

[@sheldonsawyer4782]

If the nations ended up worshiping their assigned angelic gods.. Why was this found acceptable by Hashem? Wouldn't this be idolatry?

[@janelleflagg7154]

What do you mean God sent other angels to do his dirty deeds?

[@r.l.stolba9050]

The sons of God were allotted to the nations. But because no one but God is perfect, His angels do not rule over mean in righteousness and justice.

[@joseephkhoury9420]

If you read Genesis 10-11, Deut 4:19-22, Deut 32:8-9, 17, 43, and Psalm 82 together, they form a coherent narrative that provides a rationale why the nations have their own gods. For scholars, Psalm 82 and Deut 32, are of special interest because for them one of them forms or taken as the background/context of the other.

[@fallsalem6978]

La bible n'a jamais enseigné que la manière dont les autres peuples pratiquaient leur foi est légitime

[@SyedMuhammadMoaz3634]

But they aren't gods for there is only one Lord and YHWH says I know not of any vise versa they don't exist.

[@tamikafrison5744]

Build Arks zoo and Aquarium recycle water and remember Luke 18:7-8 be ready Revelation 8 read Romans 4:8 and Exodus 31:13-16

[@fallsalem6978]

L'idée de la légitimité des dieux issus des nations n'a aucun fondement biblique. Israël eut le privilège de recevoir la révélation mais avant l'appel d'Abraham d'Adam à Noé Dieu s'est voulu révéler comme le'seul et véritable Dieu. L'alliance avec Abraham pour dire qu'il sera un sujet de bénédictions pour toutes les nations s'est accompli en Christ.

[@veenapaul4462]

The other gods are not faithful to the Most High God, they don't give praise to the Only True God.

[@mttgk7434]

Why the god in bible is most high god, while Ra, Zeus, Shiva, Amaterasu, and other gods are not? How can you prove that the so called “God” is the only god?

[@maxprescott9371]

@@mttgk7434 Look at the Life of Jesus Christ for the answer,,,,,, in the New Testament,,,The SON of GOD will reveal The Most High GOD to you,.......Peace !!!

[@roywright9804]

I only believe in one god

[@mttgk7434]

Max Prescott That doesn’t mean that the god in bible is the only god

[@mttgk7434]

Max Prescott That doesn’t prove that the god in bible is the high god

[@fallsalem6978]

Ce message tend à l'universalisme ce n'est nullement une profession de foi. Dommage !