The Bible presents a view of religious practice that oscillates between polytheism and the exclusive worship of YHWH. Initially, YHWH might have been seen as the supreme deity among others rather than the sole divine figure. This is supported by the first commandment, which implies the existence of other gods, suggesting a hierarchy instead of outright exclusivity in worship.

It wasn't until the time of 'Second Isaiah' in the fifth century BCE that the concept of YHWH as the only God was firmly established. This marks a significant shift in belief, from a focus on YHWH as the most important god among many to an unequivocal assertion of YHWH's singularity in worship, shaping the trajectory of Jewish religious identity.