Exodus 22:28

The gods. The word ’elohim is sometimes translated “judges” (chs. 21:6; 22:8, 9), often as “gods” (ch. 20:3, 23; etc.), but more commonly as “God” (ch. 20:1, 2, 5, 7; etc.). It is not certain whether ’elohim should be rendered “judges” — God’s representatives for administering justice — as in the KJV margin, or as “God.” The fact that the Jews held pagan gods, ’elohim, in contempt would seem to preclude the possibility that “gods” are meant here. The rendering, “You shall not revile God” (RSV), is therefore preferable (see Lev. 24:15, 16).

Nor curse the ruler. More accurately, “nor curse a ruler among thy people.” “Rulers” were generally heads of families (Num. 3:24, 30, 35) and tribes (Num. 7:10, 18, 24).

Later the word was used of kings (1 Kings 11:34; Eze. 12:10; 45:7). It is in the divine order that we should respect the authority of those placed over us, in both church and state (Rom. 13:1-7; Heb. 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13-18).