by Ester yusufu | 30 August 2019 08:46 pm08
Answer:
This phrase appears in Deuteronomy 10:17, which says:
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.”
(Deuteronomy 10:17)
At first glance, it may seem like this verse is saying that God is above other “gods”—perhaps even idols. But when we read it carefully and in context with the rest of Scripture, we realize that it does not mean God is the God of idols. God consistently condemns idolatry (Exodus 20:3–5), and idols are repeatedly described in Scripture as powerless, man-made objects (Psalm 115:4–8).
So who are these “gods” that God is said to be above?
Jesus Himself gives us insight into this mystery in John 10:33–36, during a conversation with Jewish leaders who accused Him of blasphemy for calling Himself the Son of God:
“The Jews answered Him, saying, ‘For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.’
Jesus answered them, ‘Is it not written in your law, “I said, ‘You are gods’”?
If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, “You are blaspheming,” because I said, “I am the Son of God”?’”
(John 10:33–36)
Here, Jesus was quoting Psalm 82:6, where God says:
“I said, ‘You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High.’”
(Psalm 82:6)
From this, we learn that the term “gods” was used figuratively in Scripture to describe human beings who were entrusted with the Word of God—such as judges, prophets, or spiritual leaders who acted as God’s representatives on earth. In a broader sense, it applies to all true believers, those who have been born of God’s Spirit and now reflect His image and nature (Romans 8:14–17).
In Genesis 1:26–27, we learn that mankind was created in God’s image and likeness:
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’”
(Genesis 1:26a)
This means that God designed us to mirror His nature and character. To be called “gods” in this biblical sense is not to be divine beings in ourselves, but to live as His image-bearers, empowered by His Word and Spirit.
That’s why Jesus said in John 14:12:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also.”
(John 14:12)
So, just as God created through His Word, He now works through us by His Spirit and Word. Those who live according to His Word are partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:3–4), and therefore can be called “gods” in the sense of being His authorized representatives on earth.
When the Bible calls God the “God of gods,” it’s the same way it calls Him the “King of kings” (Revelation 19:16) and “Lord of lords.” This doesn’t mean He is king over idols or corrupt leaders. It means that all true kings, all true lords, and all who are called gods in the right sense, are under His supreme authority. He is the ultimate source of all authority, righteousness, and power.
To be called a “god” in this sense, you must be a child of God—born again, filled with His Spirit, and growing in His likeness. That means displaying His character:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
(Galatians 5:22–23)
If we don’t live like God, we cannot claim to be His true children. The name carries responsibility, not status. It’s not about pride, but about reflecting the nature of the One we belong to.
Final Encouragement:
Let us continue to grow in our knowledge of God, walk in His Spirit, and live out His Word, so that we may be worthy of the high calling to be called His children—and truly reflect His glory.
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.”
(Ephesians 5:1)
God bless you richly.
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