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This authority goes on to say --

When applying to Jehovah, 'Elo.him' is used as a PLURAL OF MAJESTY, DIGNITY,
OR EXCELLENCE. (Ge. 1:1) Regarding this, Aaron Ember wrote: "That the language of
the O[ld] T[estament] has entirely given up the idea of plurality in...['Elo.him'] (as applied
to the God of Israel) is especially shown by the fact that it is almost invariably construed
with a SINGULAR verbal predicate, and takes a SINGULAR adjectival attribute.... ['Elo-
him'] must rather be explained as an intensive plural, denoting greatness, and majesty,
being equal to The Great God." -- The American Journal of Semitic Languages and Lit-
eratures, Vol. XXI, 1905, p. 208.

The title 'Elo.him' draws attention to Jehovah's strength as the Creator. It appears 35 times
by itself in the account of creation, and EVERY TIME the verb describing what he said
and did IS IN THE SINGULAR NUMBER. (Ge. 1:1-2:4) In him resides the sum and
substance of infinite forces. -- Vol. 1, page 968.

The Jews -- who were the keepers of the Old Testament -- never considered the plural use of
"Elohim" to mean what the proponents of the Biune or Triune Godhead posit. They have ALWAYS
maintained a strict monotheistic view of the Deity.

In Smith's Bible Dictionary we find this explanation of "Elohim":

Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures TWO chief names are used for the ONE true divine
Being -- ELOHIM, commonly translated God in our version, and JEHOVAH [YEHO-
VAH], translated LORD. Elohim is the plural of Eloah; it is often used in the short form
EL (a word signifying strength), as in EL-SHADDAI, God Almighty, the name by which
God was specially known to the patriarchs. Gen. 17:1; 28:3; Ex. 6:3. The etymology is
uncertain, but it is generally agreed that the primary idea is that it properly describes God
in that character in which he is exhibited to all men in his works, as the creator, sustainer
and supreme governor of the world.

The plural form of Elohim has given rise to much discussion. The fanciful idea that it re-
ferred to the trinity of persons [or duality of persons] in the Godhead hardly finds now a
supporter among scholars. It is either what grammarians call the plural of majesty, or it
denotes the fullness of divine strength, the sum of the powers displayed by God. -- Page
220.

The plural use of "authority" words is easily explained by the concept and former use of the
"Royal We." It was quite common for monarchs of old to "pluralize" their edicts by saying, "We have
decided" rather than "I have decided" -- which was most probably the truth. This practice is still in use
occasionally today. The reasoning behind it is this: in order for someone to be a king, it is necessary that
they have a kingdom and subjects to reign over. Without a realm and subjects to exercise authority
over, a person would, in reality, not be a king! Therefore, as the representative of their most sovereign
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