Problem: Moses writes, “What god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours?” (Deut. 3:24) Critical scholars note that this passage seems to support henotheism: the notion that there is one infinite-personal God who is in control of other gods. This is sort of a mix between monotheism and polytheism. Is this the case?
Solution: While this statement does appear to support henotheism at first glance, keep reading the text. In Deuteronomy 4:39, Moses writes, “[The Lord] is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.” Moses is referring to the other gods here as mere idols. For instance, the psalmist explains, “For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens” (Ps. 96:5). Likewise, Isaiah writes, “Declare the things that are going to come afterward, that we may know that you are gods; indeed, do good or evil, that we may anxiously look about us and fear together. 24 Behold, you are of no account, and your work amounts to nothing; he who chooses you is an abomination” (Isa. 41:23-24).
