So, I read something about a Canaanite polytheistic deity called also YHW, and I have some questions…

Hello there. I myself am not Jewish, I am Christian, and have recently decided to learn a little more about Judaism and history of Israel.

Now I have heard that apparently, there was a deity in Canaanite pantheon called YHWH, the religion was called Yahwism. And I even encountered sources that said that Judaism diverged from this polytheistic religion. And now I am very confused and have questions.

Is it true or is it just some kind of myth or something like that? I mean, yes, I am currently reading through Torah and I know that not everything is to be taken literally, but still, that’s a huge difference from how I was taught about Judaism and how it says in the Torah, specifically Exodus.

I don’t know, please, correct me if you can.