"... Divine council scenes in ancient Near Eastern texts are the location for discussion, decision making, and vital activities of the gods (such as creation). In Mesopotamian texts there are numerous references to divine council scenes. Almost all of the key events and decisions in Enuma elish, for example, are discussed, planned, and affirmed in the context of a council of gods. Similarly, in response to the crisis created by the refusal of the Igigi to continue their hard labor, the gods gather in the assembly In Atrahasis to discuss the issue and create a solution. In Ugaritic texts also, the gods gather in the divine council or the council of El for comparable activities. For example, there is an extended narrative set in the divine council in the Baal Cycle (KTU l.2.1; compare 1.4). The gods are also depicted gathering in an assembly to decree their judgment on humanity in the Balaam texts from Deir 'Alla. These depictions of divine council scenes from other ancient Near Eastern texts provide the cultural context for understanding the council scene presented in Psalm 82 ..."

"... Not only was El called upon to settle disputes, he was also expected to be the final arbiter of justice. A common theme of biblical psalms, this aspect of El’s responsibilities is less clearly drawn in the sources from the rest of Syria–Palestine. The divine disputes between Baal and his two adversaries, Yam and Mot, came before El, who made decisions in both instances. The proclamation of El was regarded as important, even though self-interest might move a deity to disregard the decision made by El. In the same fashion, when Anat felt herself abused because she wanted the bow of Aqhat, she turned to El for permission to take the weapon and the life of Aqhat. Whether or not the position taken by El was just, it was his consent she sought and received. The actions of both divine and human personalities were subject to the justice of El. In Psalm 82 all members of the divine pantheon are condemned to death for abusing their offices as rulers of the universe ..."