Divine Origins and Development

An Analysis of the origins of YHWH and El in Ancient Israel's Worship

Abstract

This paper examines the origins of YHWH and El in connection with ancient Israel, tracing its roots through Canaanite cultures. Israel’s adoption and merging of YHWH’s and El’s worship played a central role in moving their worship and religion from monolatry to monotheism. Further, this worship and conception of YHWH and El as God is intimately tied to Israel’s understanding of themselves as a chosen people and nation.