Which of the following was a primary belief of the early Israelites?

The primary belief of the early Israelites was that there was only one god, a concept known as monotheism. This belief set them apart from many of their contemporaries, who typically worshipped multiple gods associated with various aspects of life, such as agriculture, war, and fertility.

Early Israelite religion, as reflected in texts such as the Hebrew Bible, emphasizes a covenant relationship with a singular, all-powerful deity who demands exclusive worship. This belief was foundational in shaping the cultural and religious identity of the Israelites and laid the groundwork for later monotheistic traditions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Other options suggest polytheistic views or limitations in worship practices that do not reflect the monotheistic belief central to the Israelite identity. For instance, the idea that deities were found only in nature implies a more animistic or pantheistic belief system, while restricting worship to a single place, such as a temple, does not align with the understanding of early Israelite worship, which often included practices outside of formal temple settings.