Local Manifestations of YHWH within El’s Divine Council: Psalm 82 in the Context of Israelite Religion

Abstract This article reexamines the nature of the אלהים in Ps 82. Through comparative analysis, I reassert that the chief deity in this divine council scene is the head of the West Semitic pantheon, El. Following this determination, I argue that YHWH is depicted as an equal to the other אלהים in the text. Incorporating evidence from Israelite religion, I suggest that these אלהים are most likely manifestations of YHWH from throughout Israel, with the speaking, singular אלהים a likely representation of YHWH of Jerusalem.