Origin of Gods

Perhaps the best Biblical reference for the origin of the worship of gods is found in Joshua 24:14-15. In these verses, Joshua indicates that ancestors of Abraham served and worshiped gods other than the one true God. Genesis 31:17-35 shows the two generations following Abraham worshiped other gods.

Joshua 24:14-15 says the Hebrews worshiped other gods in Egypt and after entering the Promised Land. They continued to worship other gods all the way to the time they went into exile in Babylon. 

In the modern world, it’s hard to imagine a time when people’s lives were completely chaotic and seemingly random. They had no good ways to forecast or control the weather, temperature, or danger from wild animals or opposing tribes. In their quest to survive and thrive, it must have seemed useful to worship and appease unseen gods who might have the desire and power to make their lives better.

The First Commandment is “You shall have no other gods before me.” God was well aware that people worshiped other gods. The Second Commandment ups the standard by commanding the Israelites not to worship any other gods. God was steadfast in commanding the Israelites to worship him as the only god, and to have them worship him only.