What characterized the earliest practices of the Hebrew religion?

The earliest practices of the Hebrew religion were characterized by the worship of multiple deities, including nature spirits. This polytheistic backdrop was common among Semitic peoples in the ancient Near East. Archaeological evidence suggests that early Hebrews, prior to the more developed monotheistic beliefs, engaged in worship practices that included various gods, which were often tied to aspects of agriculture, fertility, and nature.

Over time, the conception of God evolved. The eventual shift towards the exclusive worship of Yahweh occurred as the Hebrews distinguished themselves from neighboring cultures, leading to the development of a more singular and ethical religious framework.

The other approaches present a more modern interpretation of the Hebrew religion. While community rituals and ethical living became significant aspects of later Jewish practices, they were not defining characteristics of the earliest worship activities, which were more aligned with polytheistic traditions and the cultural context of the time.