Do Canaanite deities exist?
Question
Greetings! I am a righteousness-seeking b’nei Noach, and almost nightly study my Artscroll Chumash. In Shemos 34:15+16, we find phrases cautioning Israel about avoiding embroilments with the Canaanites’ “gods,” specifically with phrases like “stray after their gods” or “slaughter to their gods.” Why, if we enjoy confessing that there is only Hashem, and we can point to the declaration of His Oneness in the Torah, why then do these phrases in Shemos not read something like “stray after the items and forces they worship as gods.” The verbiage seems to imply the possibility that other deities exist. Is it stated this way to drive home the seriousness with which the Canaanites followed their foolishness? Your perspective much appreciated! Shalom, Mathayu
Answer
The Torah makes repeated references to the Canaanite peoples worshipping natural phenomena, such as the Sun, the Moon, and the constellations.
These entities are acknowledged to possess certain powers; for instance, the Sun provides light and heat. However, our belief is that their power is not inherent but rather derived from God. They function as messengers of God.
In Devarim 10:17, the Torah emphasizes, 'Since God, your Lord, is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who shows no favor and takes no bribe.' This signifies that God is the ultimate source of all power, and it is He alone who bestows power upon other 'lords'.