Why God Called Israel and Moses Gods in Vaera

Another interpretation of "Hearken, O My people, and I will speak" (Psalms 50:7). Rabbi Pinhas the Priest bar Hama said: "Hearken, O My people" — that I may have an opening of the mouth to answer the nations of the world. "O Israel, and I will testify against you" (Psalms 50:7). Rabbi Yose says: "I am God" — I am Judge, I am your Patron. (Rabbi Eleazar says: "I am God.") Rabbi Judah the Levite son of Rabbi Shallum says: It speaks of judges. He said to them: Because I called you gods, as it is said, "You shall not curse God" (Exodus 22:27), nevertheless know that I am above you: "God, your God, am I" (Psalms 50:7). Rabbi Pinhas the Priest bar Hama said: "Hearken, O My people" — that I may have an opening of the mouth to answer the nations of the world. "O Israel, and I will testify against you." Rabbi Yose says: "I am God" — I am Judge, I am your Patron. (Rabbi Eleazar says: "I am God.") Rabbi Judah the Levite son of Rabbi Shallum says: It speaks of judges. He said to them: Because I called you gods, as it is said, "You shall not curse God" (Exodus 22:27), nevertheless know that I am above you: "God, your God, am I" (Psalms 50:7). Rabbi Pinhas the Priest bar Hama said: The Holy One, blessed be He, said to Moses: Because I called you a god, as it is said, "See, I have made you a god to Pharaoh" (Exodus 7:1) — "God, your God, am I." And therefore it is said, "And God spoke to Moses, and said to him: I am the LORD" (Exodus 6:2).