The Bible: Blend and unify ‘the Gods’ into One

“The Bible is sound occult doctrine, so far as the matter in it has escaped revisers, and worse than revisers – the Roman Catholic interpolators and twisters of its truth.”

Frederick Oliver

The Gods in the Bible

The Bible mentions one true God of Israel (primarily under names like Yahweh, Elohim, El Elyon, Adonai, El Shaddai, Eloah, El Roi, Yah) and refers to many foreign gods worshiped by other nations or sometimes by Israelites in idolatry.

Elohim

Elohim refers to multiple gods, especially in the context of polytheistic worship by other nations (e.g., Exodus 20:3, “You shall have no other gods [Elohim] before me”).

El Elyon

El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) translates to “God Most High” or simply “Most High.”It emphasizes supreme authority, sovereignty, and transcendence over all creation, including other divine beings or “gods.”

The Elohim’s arrival, described as “flying armies” or sa hashamayim, led to the establishment of the elbat, a council chaired by a higher-ranking entity referred to as El Elyon. According to Wallis, this council divided land among the Elohim, creating artificial scarcity and sparking conflicts, including those involving Yahweh, portrayed as a junior member of the council. link

In later Classical and Rabbinic texts, Kronos is occasionally linked to Canaanite gods. Rabbinic interpretations often connected Canaanite deities with familiar Classical figures, leading to the notion that Kronos aligns with the Semitic god El, also called “El Elyon” or “God Most High.”

Jewish scholar Professor Emanuel Tov asserts that “Elyon,” “El,” and “Yahweh” correspond to three different individuals. Furthermore, Dr. Jeff Benner, in his dictionaries, translates “Elyon” simply as “Superior to others,” meaning one who commands, rather than the “Most High.”

Biglino delves into the pictographic origins of “Elyon,” explaining that it derives from two pictograms: one representing an eye, symbolizing the one who observes and controls, and the other a shepherd’s staff, symbolizing leadership over others.

Biglino likens this to the way Plato described the gods in “Critias,” as rulers who govern their people like shepherds overseeing their flocks.

Biglino concludes that “Elyon” refers not to the “Most High” in a superlative sense, but rather to a governor or leader who is above others, observing and guiding them like a shepherd with his flock.

Biglino suggests that the “malakhim,” or angels, were likely part of a military hierarchy under the command of the Elohim, with Elyon as the supreme commander. 

Yahweh (YHWH)

Yahweh is the personal and covenantal name of the God of Israel. Often translated as “LORD God” in most English Bible translations. Central to the Bible, Yahweh is described as the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer.

Seen as eternal, self-existent, and the only true God (Exodus 3:14, Isaiah 42:8).

Adonai

While primarily a title for Yahweh meaning “Lord,” it’s occasionally used in contexts that could imply a broader divine reference (e.g., Genesis 18:27). It’s not a distinct deity but could be included as a name for the God of Israel, similar to Yah or Elohim.

Yah

Found in phrases like “Hallelu-Yah” (“Praise Yah”) in Psalms (e.g., Psalm 68:4, Psalm 150:1).

Yah appears to have a liturgical and celebratory role, often used in poetic and communal worship settings. Yahweh serves a more comprehensive function, encompassing God’s covenantal and universal roles.

See Jahi, taurus, the Bull God of Force and Authority

Eloah

The Book of Job frequently uses El, Eloah, and Shaddai to refer to God, with minimal use of Yahweh. This suggests that these names were part of an earlier tradition before being harmonized with Yahweh worship.

In the Book of Job, Eloah’s role as a source of wisdom and the ultimate judge is central. The dialogue frequently highlights human limitations in understanding divine plans. Eloah is depicted as omnipotent and just, punishing the wicked and rewarding the righteous. However, the book also grapples with the apparent lack of justice in human suffering.

The use of Eloah points to a time before Yahweh became the central deity of Israelite religion.

Eloah represents a deity who allows human suffering, not out of cruelty but as part of a greater, incomprehensible plan.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of Eloah has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”

Job 12:7-10

Eloah is acknowledged as the sustainer and giver of life, with all creation bearing witness to His power.

“Eloah understands the way to wisdom and knows where it can be found, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.’”

Job 28:23-28

Eloah is the ultimate source of wisdom, intertwined with creation itself. Humans can access wisdom by revering Him and avoiding evil.

El Roi

El Roi, meaning “the God who sees me,” appears in Genesis 16:13. It’s the name Hagar, Sarai’s servant, gives to God after He speaks to her in the wilderness. Pregnant and fleeing from Sarai’s harsh treatment, Hagar encounters God near a spring. He promises her a son, Ishmael, and a multitude of descendants. Hagar’s naming of God as El Roi reflects her realization that God sees her suffering and cares for her, affirming His omniscience and compassion. This is the only instance in the Bible where this name for God is used.

Canaanite and Phoenician Gods

Baal

Baal is a storm and fertility god widely worshiped in Canaan. Frequently condemned in the Bible for leading Israel into idolatry (e.g., 1 Kings 18).

Asherah

A mother goddess Asherah is often associated with fertility and is considered a consort of El or Baal. Mentioned in the context of “Asherah poles,” which were objects of worship (e.g., Judges 3:7).

Ashtaroth (plural of Astarte)

A Canaanite goddess of fertility and war, often condemned alongside Baal (e.g., Judges 2:13, 1 Samuel 7:3). (Ashtaroth in the Oahspe Bible)

El

The chief god in the Canaanite pantheon. Sometimes referenced indirectly as part of the broader cultural context.

El Shaddai

Often translated as “God Almighty” or “God of the Mountains.” Paul Wallis notes that more authoritative lexicons and sources suggest alternative translations, such as “the powerful one of the mountains” or “the destroyer.” link

The translation of “El Shaddai” remains uncertain, with some scholars suggesting it may also mean “the Powerful One of the Plains.”

“El Shaddai – an ancient divine name of the patriarchal period, rarely used outside the Pentateuch. [It is] preserved mainly in the priestly tradition…The usual translation ‘Almighty God’ is inaccurate…”

The Eden Conspiracy

Anat

A warrior and fertility goddess in the Canaanite pantheon, though not explicitly named in the Bible.

Dagon

A Philistine god, primarily associated with grain and fertility (Judges 16, 1 Samuel 5).

Egyptian Gods

Ra, Osiris, Isis, Horus, etc.

Not mentioned by name, but the plagues in Exodus are thought to challenge various Egyptian deities, such as:

• Hapi (the Nile god) – Nile turned to blood.
• Ra (sun god) – Darkness plague.
• Hathor (cow goddess) – Death of livestock.

Assyrian and Babylonian Gods

Marduk (Bel)

Marduk, the chief god of Babylon, often called “Bel” in the Bible (Isaiah 46:1).

Nebo (Nabu)

Nebo, the Babylonian god of wisdom and writing, is referenced alongside Bel (Isaiah 46:1).

Nisroch

An Assyrian god mentioned in 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38, worshiped by Sennacherib.

Ammonite and Moabite Gods

Molech (Moloch)

A god associated with child sacrifice, worshiped by the Ammonites and condemned in the Bible (Leviticus 18:21, 1 Kings 11:7).

Chemosh

The national god of the Moabites, also associated with child sacrifice (1 Kings 11:7, Numbers 21:29).

Other Deities

Tammuz

A Mesopotamian god of fertility and vegetation, worship of whom is condemned in Ezekiel 8:14.

Queen of Heaven

A goddess figure worshiped in Jeremiah 7:18 and 44:17–25, possibly referring to Ishtar or Astarte.

Milcom

Another name for Molech, worshiped by the Ammonites (1 Kings 11:5).

Hadad (Rimmon)

A storm god of Aram, sometimes referred to as Rimmon (2 Kings 5:18).

Ashima

A deity worshiped by the people of Hamath (2 Kings 17:30).

Nergal

A Mesopotamian deity, worshiped by the people of Cuthah (2 Kings 17:30).

Adrammelech and Anammelech

Gods worshiped by the people of Sepharvaim, associated with child sacrifice (2 Kings 17:31).

Succoth-Benoth

A deity worshiped by Babylonian settlers in Samaria (2 Kings 17:30).

Kaiwan (Chiun)

A star god associated with Saturn, worshiped by some Israelites (Amos 5:26, sometimes translated as “Sikkuth”).

Rephan

A deity linked to Kaiwan, mentioned in Acts 7:43 (quoting Amos 5:26 in the Septuagint).

Greek and Roman Gods (New Testament)

Artemis (Diana)

Goddess worshiped in Ephesus, mentioned in Acts 19:24–35.

Zeus (Jupiter)

Zeus is mentioned indirectly in Acts 14:12–13 when people mistook Paul and Barnabas for gods.

Hermes (Mercury)

Hermes is mentioned alongside Zeus in Acts 14:12–13.

Jewish Tradition

In Jewish tradition, multiple names refer to God, each reflecting different aspects of divine attributes, roles, and the relationship between God and humanity. Here are the most significant names commonly used in Jewish texts and practices:

1. YHWH (Tetragrammaton) – The most sacred name of God, often pronounced as “Adonai” in prayer or written as “Hashem” (The Name) in conversation.
2. Elohim – Reflects God’s power as Creator and Judge.
3. El Shaddai – Often translated as “God Almighty” or “God of the Mountains.”
4. Adonai – Meaning “Lord,” used in place of YHWH in prayer.
5. Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh – “I Am That I Am,” the name revealed to Moses at the burning bush.
6. El Elyon – “Most High God.”
7. El Olam – “Everlasting God.”
8. El Roi – “God Who Sees Me,” used by Hagar in Genesis.
9. Tzur – “Rock,” symbolizing strength and reliability.
10. Avinu – “Our Father,” emphasizing a close and personal relationship.
11. Melech – “King,” reflecting God’s sovereignty.
12. Shalom – “Peace,” referring to God as the source of peace.
13. YHWH Tzva’ot – “Lord of Hosts,” referring to God’s command over heavenly armies.
14. YHWH Jireh – “The Lord Will Provide.”
15. YHWH Nissi – “The Lord Is My Banner.”
16. YHWH Rapha – “The Lord Who Heals.”
17. YHWH Shammah – “The Lord Is There,” referring to God’s presence.
18. YHWH Tsidkenu – “The Lord Our Righteousness.”
19. YHWH Mekoddishkem – “The Lord Who Sanctifies You.”
20. El Gibbor – “Mighty God.”
21. Go’el – “Redeemer.”
22. Kadosh – “Holy One.”
23. Rachum VeChanun – “Compassionate and Gracious.”

These names are used with reverence, reflecting different dimensions of God’s relationship with humanity and creation. The use of some names is restricted to liturgical or sacred contexts, while others are more common in everyday speech and writings.