El, Yahweh and the Emergence of Monotheism in Israel

This study explores the evolution of monotheism in ancient Israel, focusing on the names El and Yahweh as primary designations for the divine. It analyses how biblical texts reflect varying theological perspectives that emerged over time, indicating the coexistence of polytheistic traditions with the worship of Yahweh. The author argues that while the Hebrew Bible does not consistently present a monotheistic framework, specific passages point to an evolving belief system culminating in exclusive monotheism, particularly during the exile and post-exilic periods. The emergence of Yahweh as the singular God of Israel responds to sociocultural pressures and historical events, such as the conquest of the Promised Land and subsequent challenges from surrounding nations. The study synthesizes textual evidence from Ugaritic texts, prophetic writings, and archaeological findings to illustrate the gradual transition from a pantheon of gods to the centralized worship of Yahweh. It concludes that this process was characterized by a dynamic interplay of religious, cultural, and political factors, leading to a unified theological identity among the ancient Israelites.