The Divine Council: Unveiling the Heavenly Assembly

Throughout scripture, we are given glimpses of a mysterious and powerful assembly in the heavenly realm—the Divine Council. Mentioned in Psalm 82 and Psalm 89, this council, composed of "gods" or "sons of God," plays a significant role in overseeing the universe and administering judgment alongside Yahweh. These beings, described as holy and ancient, remain a subject of great intrigue, raising questions about their nature, purpose, and relationship to God. Why does an all-powerful God include other beings in His divine governance? What do their actions in scripture reveal about the unseen spiritual world? By examining biblical references and theological interpretations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Divine Council, its role, and its implications for our view of God’s relational nature and cosmic order.

The Divine Council is named after its mention in Psalm 82:1, where Yahweh "holds judgment among the gods." It is also referred to as the "assembly of the holy ones" in Psalm 89:5-7. Their role is to watch over the universe and pass judgment alongside God. This role is evident in Daniel 4:17, Daniel 7:9-10, and 1 Kings 22:19-23. However, the exact number of members in this council remains uncertain. The only instance where a set number of thrones in Heaven is described is in Revelation 4 and 5, where John describes elders who sit with God.

John reports seeing twenty-four thrones around Yahweh's throne with elders seated on them. Though, it is unclear if this number is literal or metaphorical. There is even some debate about the identity of these elders. Some believe they are prophets, while others suggest they represent the apostles and the sons of Israel. However, considering the Bible as a whole, I believe it is more consistent to interpret these elders as the sons of God. John may have referred to them as "elders" because he recognized their ancient nature. If the being in Daniel 10 is indeed a son of God, it suggests that these celestial beings can take on a human appearance.

In Psalm 82, we see the sons of God placed under judgment, but it is unclear whether this judgment applies to all the sons or only to a select group. Personally, I believe the sons under judgment in this passage are the same ones mentioned in Genesis 6—those who took human wives. They are sentenced to "die like men," though the exact meaning of this phrase is uncertain. My best guess is that it refers to their eventual punishment in Hell, as death is sometimes associated with Hell in scripture. These beings are also referred to as "gods" or "powerful beings."

In Psalm 89, we learn several key details about the Divine Council:

• No one among the sons of God is like Yahweh.

• The council is made up of "holy ones."

• The council is located "in the heavens."

A question I am often asked is: "Why does God need a council?" The simple answer is: He doesn’t. Just as God does not need us, He does not require a council. However, Yahweh is a relational being who desires community and relationships with His creation. The council reflects His relational nature.

In The Unseen Realm, Michael Heiser references Ezekiel 28:14 to suggest that the Divine Council once met on the mountain of Eden in the garden. He interprets the "fiery stones" mentioned in the verse as a reference to the sons of God. This imagery of fire or brightness is frequently used in descriptions of the sons of God throughout scripture.

The Divine Council represents a fascinating aspect of God’s relational nature, demonstrating His desire for community and collaboration even in His governance of the universe. Although Yahweh alone is sovereign and without equal, the sons of God serve as intermediaries, reflecting His will in the heavens and influencing the physical world. The judgments passed on them, such as in Psalm 82, highlight the consequences of rebellion and the ultimate supremacy of God’s justice. While much about the council remains a mystery, its study enriches our understanding of the unseen spiritual realm and reminds us that God’s relational design extends beyond humanity. Exploring these celestial beings and their interactions with Yahweh deepens our appreciation of His holiness, sovereignty, and desire for meaningful relationships with all of creation.