A History of God: The 4000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

InIn 742 BCE, Isaiah, believed to be a Judaean royal, had a profound vision of Yahweh in Jerusalem’s Temple. During this time, Israel faced spiritual and political crises, as some leaders favored the worship of pagan gods alongside Yahweh (known as Henotheism). Isaiah’s vision displayed Yahweh’s transcendence and otherness, leaving him awed and recognizing his own inadequacies. A seraph purified his lips, preparing him to convey Yahweh’s message. Isaiah, and other prophets like Amos, were tasked with warning Israel of impending calamities stemming from their departure from genuine faith and justice.

These prophets emphasized integrating daily life with religious experience, stressing justice, compassion, and critiquing superficial worship. Amos spoke against social injustices and portrayed Yahweh as an advocate for the oppressed. The prophet Hosea depicted Yahweh as a devoted “husband” who had been betrayed by an adulterous “wife” (i.e., the Israelites in neglecting their faith in Yahweh). Hosea and his contemporaries denounced idolatry, openly ridiculing the practices and deities of other religions.

The rising monotheistic tendency in Israel’s religious perspective resulted in an intolerance toward other deities, unlike the more inclusive pagan pantheons. This intolerance was deeply reflected in Israelite scriptures, especially in their concern over “idolatry.