GOD OF GODS (1)

The word God is "one of the most complex and difficult in the English language." ... Throughout the Hebrew and Christian Bibles there are many names for God. One of them is Elohim. Another one is El Shaddai, translated "God Almighty". A third notable name is El Elyon, which means "The High God".

The God of Gods and Lord of Lords

W

e know that there is only one Lord God, however, from time to time the Bible references other gods and lords. These remarkable titles for god are a basic affirmation of monotheism. In Deuteronomy 10:17 we find, "The LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome."  Whoever these other "gods" and "lords" are, they cannot compete with the "great God, mighty and awesome."

The emphasis in this verse is God’s supremacy. The focus is on God’s greatness and might. When He is called "God of gods," we understand it as a reference to the God who is more powerful and greater than any other so-called god. The verse does not teach the existence of other real gods. Rather, God says, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God" (Isaiah 45:5). See also Isaiah 43:11. Being the "God of gods," the One True God towers over anything else that might be worshiped. He alone is worthy of worship (Deuteronomy 10:21).

Idols have no power: “All the gods of the nations are worthless” (1 Chronicles 16:26, NET; cf. Psalm 96:5). Psalm 97:7 adds, “All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols.” These and many other passages note that there is only one God. To worship any other God is useless.

POLYTHEISM

Joshua explains that Abraham's ancestors served other gods.

2And Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Your fathers lived of old beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods. (Joshua 24:2)

Jeremiah notes that for as many cities there are gods.

28But where are your gods that you made for yourself? Let them arise, if they can save you, in your time of trouble; for as many as your cities are your gods, O Judah. (Jer. 2:28)

Lord of lords: A "lord") frequently is referred to a leader. To call the Lord the “Lord of lords” emphasizes God’s greatness above all other leaders or anyone who holds power. As a result, the psalmist writes, “Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 136:3, ESV).

In the New Testament, we find the phrase “Lord of lords” used on three occasions in reference to Jesus. Paul teaches that Jesus is "he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords" (1 Timothy 6:15, ESV). Revelation 17:14 speaks of Jesus’ return, saying, "He is Lord of lords and King of kings." Revelation 19:16 adds, "On his robe and on his thigh, he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords."

Interestingly, the title “Lord of lords” affirms the unique power of God and provides insight into the triune nature of God. While God the Father is the One called “Lord of lords” in Deuteronomy 10:17 and in Psalms, the New Testament writers use the same title to refer to God the Son, Jesus Christ. The Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Outside of this God, there is no other….to be cont’d

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.