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Ancient Israelites believed in monotheism from "summary" of A History of Israel and the Holy Land by Michael Avi-Yonah
The ancient Israelites were firm believers in the concept of monotheism, the belief in one God. This fundamental tenet of their faith set them apart from the polytheistic cultures that surrounded them. The Israelites believed that their God, Yahweh, was the one true God, the creator and ruler of the universe. This belief was central to their identity as a people and informed every aspect of their lives. The Israelites' belief in monotheism was not simply a matter of intellectual assent; it was a deeply held conviction that shaped their religious practices, moral values, and social structure. They saw themselves as the chosen people of Yahweh, bound to him in a covenant relationship. This covenant was not only a religious contract but also a social and political agreement that governed their behavior and relationships with one another. The Israelites' monotheistic faith was not static but evolved over time. While they believed in one God, their understanding of Yahweh and his relationship to the world developed and deepened as they encountered new challenges and experiences. Through prophets, priests, and sages, they sought to discern the will of Yahweh and understand his purposes for them. Despite their belief in one God, the ancient Israelites were not immune to the temptations of idolatry. At various times in their history, they were drawn away from the worship of Yahweh and turned to the worship of other gods. This idolatry was always seen as a betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh and led to dire consequences for the nation.- However, the Israelites' belief in monotheism proved to be a resilient and enduring faith that sustained them through centuries of exile, persecution, and hardship. It was this belief in the one true God that enabled them to persevere as a people and ultimately fulfill their destiny as the bearers of monotheism to the world.
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