Final answer:
The irony in the Hebrews' agreement to follow Yahweh's words highlights the historical evolution of Judaism from varied religious practices to strict monotheism, which was not initially singular but developed over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that the Hebrews agreed to follow 'the words that Yahweh has spoken' is tinged with irony given the historical context of their religious practices. It is important to understand that the exclusive worship of Yahweh and the laws that came with it, such as dietary restrictions and moral commands, developed over a long period under various geopolitical pressures, and not as a single, monolithic belief system from the start.
By the time of the Persian Empire's dominance, when Judaism began to resemble what it is known today, many laws were in place that demanded absolute obedience to Yahweh. However, throughout history, there have been numerous instances where the Hebrews deviated from these laws, leading to what the Bible describes as divine retribution.
The irony lies in the fact that although the Hebrews were expected to worship only Yahweh and follow his commandments strictly, there is evidence to suggest that their religious practices included the worship of multiple deities and that the monotheistic worship of Yahweh was a result of a long evolution rather than being the original and only form of worship.