What is Divine Council theology?

Divine Council theology teaches that God presides over a council of lesser divine beings, often interpreted from passages such as Psalm 82. This view is commonly associated with the writings of Michael Heiser.

Does Psalm 82 teach the existence of many gods?

No. Psalm 82 does not teach the existence of many gods. A biblical reading understands the term "gods" as referring to human judges or authorities who were accountable to God, not to divine beings equal to or alongside Him.

Why is Divine Council theology controversial in evangelical circles?

Divine Council theology is controversial because it introduces ideas that can undermine biblical monotheism, confuse the doctrine of God, and rely heavily on speculative interpretations drawn from ancient Near Eastern sources rather than the full counsel of Scripture.

What is Justin Peters’ position on Divine Council theology?

Justin Peters rejects Divine Council theology, arguing that it misinterprets Psalm 82 and introduces theological confusion. He emphasizes a sound, Scripture-driven approach that upholds God’s absolute uniqueness and sovereignty.

Understanding Psalm 82 and Michael Heiser’s Divine Council Theology

Sound Theology and Discernment with Justin Peters

By Justin Peters | Sound Theology and Discernment

Episode Summary

Psalm 82 opens with the words, “God takes His stand in the congregation of God, He judges in the midst of the gods.” What does that mean, and does it support Michael Heiser’s “divine council” theology or the idea of many gods under one supreme God?In this episode of Sound Theology and Discernment, Justin Peters is joined by Fred Butler to walk through Michael Heiser’s teaching on Psalm 82, Deuteronomy 32, Genesis 6, Job, and related passages. Together they examine claims about the “divine council,” watchers, Nephilim, and multiple Elohim, and they compare these ideas with clear, historic, biblical doctrine about the one true God.This conversation aims to warn believers about speculative theology that borrows from liberal scholarship and ancient Near Eastern myth, and to encourage Christians to stand firmly on the sufficiency and authority of Scripture, not to exceed what is written.

Listen to the Episode

Watch the Episode

Key Scriptures

Psalm 82
Deuteronomy 32
Genesis 6
Job 1–2
Romans 5:12
John 10:30–38
Deuteronomy 6:4

About the Guest, Fred Butler

Fred Butler serves at Grace to You where he oversees volunteer ministries that help assemble and ship biblical resources around the world. He is a member of Grace Community Church in Los Angeles and has written on a variety of theological and apologetic issues at his blog Hip and Thigh.

Episode Highlights

Who Michael Heiser was and why his work has become popular among some evangelicals.
How his “divine council” reading of Psalm 82 shapes his entire biblical narrative.
Why importing liberal Old Testament scholarship and ANE myth into theology is dangerous.
The difference between biblical monotheism and theism or henotheism.
How Psalm 82 is best understood as a rebuke of unjust human judges, not many true gods.
How Jesus uses Psalm 82 in John 10 and why this does not support “little gods” teaching.
Parallels between Heiser’s ideas and Mormonism, Word of Faith, and charismatic excesses.
The importance of creeds, confessions, and the historic teaching of the church.
The call to stay within the bounds of Scripture and not exceed what is written.

Resources Mentioned

Hip and Thigh blog by Fred Butler, hipandthigh.wordpress.com

Reflection and Application

How does Psalm 82 help you see the holiness, justice, and uniqueness of the one true God more clearly?
Where do you see the temptation to chase novelty, speculation, or extra biblical ideas instead of resting in Scripture?
How can you grow in discernment so that you test teachers and movements by the whole counsel of God?

Stay Connected

If this episode of Sound Theology and Discernment with Justin Peters was helpful, please consider sharing it with a friend, leaving a review, and praying that the Lord would use it to strengthen His people in sound doctrine and humble discernment.For more articles, podcasts, and resources, visit his page here at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.This episode first appeared at Justin’s YouTube and is posted here with his permission Dr. Michael Heiser: God Is The Highest Of Many Gods – Was He Right? – YouTube