Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Walter Mattfeld" <mattfeld AT mail.pjsnet.com>]

In regards to Elohim as a plural of majesty, Dr. Dalley makes the following
observations about the Mesopotamian god Nergal:

"Possible Phoenician influence upon "Nergal and Ereshkigal" is found in the
use of the 'plural of majesty', in referring to Nergal as 'gods'. "
(p.164, Introduction to "Nergal and Ereshkigal," Stephanie Dalley, Myths
>From Mesopotamia, Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh and Others, Oxford
University Press, [1989], 1991, ISBN 0-19-281789-2


"  'The gods' is used to refer to Nergal. This is a Phoenician and Punic
usage, also found in the Old Testament when Yahweh is called Elohim 'gods',
and in Amarna letters from Phoenician cities where Pharaoh is addressed as
'my gods' (Reallexikon der Assyriologie, s.v. Elohim)."
(p.177, note 11, "Nergal and Ereshkigal" )

All the best,

Walter

Walter Reinhold Warttig Mattfeld
Walldorf by Heidelberg
Baden-Wurttemburg
Germany