Thursday, March 31, 2022

Zacharias Ursinus (1534-1583) on Biblical Texts that Speak of a Plurality of Gods (e.g., Psalm 82:6; 1 Corinthians 8:5)

  

Obj. But the Scriptures declare that there are many gods: “I have said, ye are gods.” “There are gods many, and lords many.” (Ps. 82:6. 1 Cor. 8:5). Moses is also said to have been made a god to Pharaoh. (Ex. 7:1.) yea, the devil is called the god of this world. (2 Cor. 4:4.) Ans. The word God is used in a double sense. Some times it signifies him who is God by nature, and has his being from none, but of and from himself. Such a being is the living and true God. Then again, it designates one who bears some resemblance to the true God in dignity, office, &c. Such persons are, 1. Magistrates and judges, who are called gods on account of their dignity, and the office which they bear in the name of God, as it is said, “By me kings reign.” (Prov. 8:5.) As God, therefore, administers his government through magistrates and judges, as his vicegerents and servants upon the earth, he in like manner bestows upon them the honor of his own name by calling them gods, that those under them may know that they have to deal with God himself, whether they obey or resist the magistrate, according as it is said, “Whosoever resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God.” (Rom. 13:2.) 2. Angels are also called gods, in view of the dignity and excellency of their nature, power and wisdom, in which they greatly excel other creatures; and on account of the office which they exercise by divine appointment in defending the godly and punishing the wicked. “Thou hast made him a little lower than the gods,” that is, the angels. “Are they not all ministering spirits.” (Ps. 8:5; Heb. 1:14.) 3. The devil is called god of this world, on account of the great power which he has over men, and other creatures according to the just judgment of God. 4. There are many things which are called gods, in the opinion of men, who regard and worship certain things and creatures for gods. So idols are called gods, by imitation. “The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.” “Whose god is their belly.” (Jer. 10:11. Phil. 3:19.) But here the question is in reference to the true God to him who is God by nature, having his power from no one else, but from and by himself Such a being is one only. (The Commentary of Zacharias Ursinus: On the Heidelberg Catechism—The Protestant Christian Doctrines, Dating to 1563 [trans. G. W. Williard; Pantianos Classics, 1888], 145)