If G-d is mentioned as Elohim in plural how can he appear as Man?

  • One of the interesting things to note is that while G-d is referred to as Spirit, or there is a Spirit of G-d, there also appears to be these human appearance manifestations (theophanies), and of course G-d himself.
  • While all of these are integrated into the Torah, Judaism recognizes that G-d is "one" and there is only one G-d, without explaining how this can be.
  • The Bible also uses the work "Elohim" for G-d, which is plural, does this mean that there are many G-d's or that the Angel of the Lord who is referred to as G-d is one of many? No... even in Christianity view is there is only one single G-d, the same G-d as in Judaism.
  • This topic was mentioned in the Talmud:

'There seems to be more than one Creator,' said a sceptic to Rabbi Samuel. 'Is it not written "In the beginning Elohim (the plural) created heaven and earth"? Further, "Let us make man in our likeness."' 'Do you find it said,' returned the sage, 'they created, or are we told they saw or they said, or that man was formed in their image? In each instance you find the singular, and the 'Elohim' is applied to Him in whom is combined all power and all might.'

Deut. Rabba 2

  • It is clear that Judaism treats G-d as one, as does Christianity.
  • Another possible answer is that the reason for the plurality in Genesis is because it refers to angels. But because angels are created beings, they would not have yet existed. This idea is further explained in another part of the Talmud:

There is a difference of opinion as to the day on which angels were created; one authority decides for the second day, on the ground that they are mentioned in connexion with water (Ps. 104. 3, 4), which was created on that day; while another, arguing from the fact that they are said to fly (Isa. 6.), assigns their creation to the fifth day, on which all other flying things were created. But all authorities are agreed that they did not exist on the first day of creation, so that sceptics cannot say that they were helpers in the work of creation.

Gen. Rabba 1

  • Finally you may have noticed in Revelation that G-d refers to himself as the first and the last.
  • Lest we think this is some modern Christian idea...it actually comes from Isaiah:

Many and varied are the things that in the Bible are designated 'the first.' The month of the Egyptian exodus God named the first month of the year (Exod. 12. 2). He revealed Himself as 'the first' to the prophet Isaiah (44. 6). Zion, too, is styled 'the first' (Jer. 117). Of Esau also the epithet is used (Gen. 25.) And, lastly, Messiah is mentioned as 'the first' (Isa. 41. 27).

Exodus Rabba 15