Even in enemy territory, Yahweh demonstrated his authority. He does not share his glory with idols, and he alone receives the credit for his work.

And if you ask me about his credit history, it’s perfect, flawless. He never missed the payment.

I was thinking. To understand how this transformation unfolded, let’s begin with the patriarchal period and move forward toward the post-exilic period. I think I can keep it clear and meaningful, at least I hope I can.

During the patriarchal period, around 2000 to 1600 BCE, we begin to see the spiritual roots of Israel through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Their relationship with God was not yet a formal religion shaped by structured laws and rituals. Instead, it was personal, relational, and passed down through family tradition.

And if you think about it for a moment, that same pattern still exists today.

Now, going back to that time, the surrounding world was deeply polytheistic, yet Abraham and his descendants were set apart.

Now that I think about it, you could almost call this the first moment of religious segregation. Not in the way we think of it today, but in the sense of being apart spiritually.

Anyway, God revealed Himself not as one among many, but as El Shaddai, God Almighty. He spoke directly to Abraham, made promises, and established a covenant that would shape Israel’s identity for generations to come.

If you think about it, what I just said, even today, that covenant still has living proof.