You asked

what distinguished early israelite monotheism from surrounding polytheistic beliefs?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Deuteronomy 6:4

“Hear, O Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one.”

This verse, known as the 'Shema,' is at the heart of Moses' final instructions to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. It comes after a review of the covenant and precedes commands for how they are to live in relation to this unique God.

What does it mean to you that 'Yahweh is one' in a world of diverse beliefs and ideas?

Keep thinking

Behind the textwhat did 'one' mean for israelites compared to neighboring gods and goddesses?
Across the Biblehow does this declaration of 'one god' resonate or shift in the new testament?
For todayhow does asserting 'one god' shape perspectives on other spiritual paths today?

Read alongside it

Isaiah 44:6
Declares Yahweh as the first and the last, beside whom there is no other God.
1 Corinthians 8:4-6
Acknowledges many so-called gods, but for believers, there is only one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ.

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