[Bible] Episode 318: Mark S. Smith - The Many Gods of Israel

[Bible] Episode 318: Mark S. Smith - The Many Gods of Israel

From The Bible For Normal People by Peter Enns and Jared Byas

March 2, 2026 · 1h 8m · Season 10 · Episode 318

About this episode

The episode explores the polytheistic background of Israel and the emergence of monotheism in the Hebrew Bible with scholar Mark S. Smith.

In this week’s episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared sit down with Mark S. Smith, a leading scholar of ancient Israelite religion, to explore the polytheistic background of Israel and the gradual emergence of monotheism in the Hebrew Bible. Drawing on biblical texts, ancient Near Eastern inscriptions, and comparative studies, Mark explains how early Israelites likely understood Yahweh as one deity among many before later theological developments came to affirm him as the sole god of Israel. Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-318-mark-s-smith-the-many-gods-of-israel/ Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/R1xiWA6w3P8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Peter Enns, Jared Byas

Guest: Mark S. Smith

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Books & works: Hebrew Bible

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