Contrary to the popular belief of Judaism's instantaneous birth at Mount Sinai, the Hebrew Bible reveals a more complex history. Modern scholarship, notably by Frank Moore Cross and Mark S. Smith, identifies two primary theological and geographical traditions: a northern one, linked to Canaanite culture and the god El, and a southern one, originating in the Arabian desert and associated with YHWH.

The northern tradition predominantly used titles like El Shaddai and Elohim, reflecting a supreme, transcendent deity. Archaeological findings at Ugarit depict El as a celestial figure, father of gods, delegating earthly affairs to his sons. Traces of this hierarchy appear in biblical texts, suggesting YHWH was initially subordinate to El.

The southern tradition, rooted in the desert, centers on the proper name YHWH. Egyptian sources mention "the land of the Shasu of Yhw," and biblical texts refer to YHWH with southern desert epithets. This YHWH is depicted as anthropomorphic and passionate, actively intervening in human affairs. The convergence of these traditions, particularly evident in the figure of Moses, whose name has Egyptian roots, shaped the monotheistic God of Israel.