Final answer:
The Canaanites were known for their polytheistic religion, worshipping a pantheon of gods with temples and figurines found by archaeologists. The Hebrews, however, evolved from polytheism to monotheism, ultimately establishing the worship of Yahweh alone as part of the development of Judaism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Canaanites were a prominent Near Eastern culture renowned for their long history and polytheistic religious practices. Among the ancient Canaanites, the most significant group was the Phoenicians, whose influence stretched across modern-day territories of Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon.
They engaged in extensive trade and were recognized for their skilled craftsmanship. Canaanite religion was characterized by a pantheon of gods, which they worshipped in various temples.
This polytheistic worship included deities such as El, the head of the pantheon; Asherah, Yahweh's consort; Baal, the storm god; and Astarte, the fertility goddess, among others. The historical record is further enriched by archaeological findings of temples and figurines representing these deities.
While Canaanite cultures overwhelmingly practiced polytheism, the neighboring Hebrew culture began to shift towards monotheism, emphasizing the worship of a single deity, Yahweh. This transition was not immediate but developed over centuries.
The Hebrew Bible or Tanakh reflects this evolution, and while it suggests an early and consistent monotheism starting with Abraham, historical and archaeological evidence points to a more gradual shift. The Hebrew culture's decisive turn to exclusive worship of Yahweh is thought to align with the period under the Persian Empire, leading to the formation of Judaism.