Genesis and the Battle of the Gods: Reading Moses in the Desert

In a few weeks, I’ll begin preaching through the book of Genesis, and I want to offer some important perspective as we approach not just Genesis, but the entire Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible.

Most people think the story begins in a garden, but for Israel, the story began in the desert. That’s where they received this “library” of books, and it’s where we must learn to read them. Genesis wasn’t written to people with clean slates or pristine theology. It was written to a people just freed from Egypt, carrying the weight of 400 years of cultural indoctrination.

Israel’s Forgotten History

After Joseph saved his family from famine, Israel settled in Egypt—and they stayed for centuries. During that time, they were steeped in pagan Egyptian culture, surrounded by idolatry and the worship of other gods. By the time Moses led them out, their historical and theological memory had likely faded or been replaced.

So when Moses writes Genesis, he’s not giving them new information—he’s giving them their true story back. But before Genesis, we’re given Exodus—and that book gives us the context for everything that follows.

The First Clash: A Prophet vs. the Gods

When Yahweh calls Moses to speak on His behalf, Moses doesn’t walk into a neutral space. He steps into a spiritual battlefield. His first opposition? The magicians of Egypt—representatives of the gods.

“When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Prove yourselves by working a miracle,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it may become a serpent.’”— Exodus 7:9

In the ancient world, you don’t just claim to speak for a god—you prove it by demonstrating that god’s power. So Yahweh prepares Moses to show power that surpasses Egypt’s gods.

“Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers... the magicians of Egypt, also did the same by their secret arts. For each man cast down his staff, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.”— Exodus 7:11–12

Here is our first battle of the gods. And Yahweh makes His point clear: It was a spiritual cage match—and Yahweh made their gods into protein. From that moment forward, the plagues become public demonstrations of Yahweh’s absolute superiority over Egypt’s gods. These gods were real spiritual powers—but they were no match for Yahweh.

Judging the Gods

The final plague isn't just about Pharaoh or the people. It’s cosmic.

“On all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD.”— Exodus 12:12

Neither Moses nor Yahweh treat Egypt’s gods as imaginary. They are real spiritual beings—rebellious, deceptive, and dangerous. And Yahweh shames their power, judges their works, and calls His people out from their influence.

This divine confrontation continues throughout the Torah. God isn’t just saving Israel from slavery; He’s delivering them from the dominion of false gods.

A New Covenant for a New People

Once Israel is free, Yahweh reveals Himself more fully. He is not one of many; He is unlike any other. And His first commandment in this new covenant reflects the reality of what Israel had just witnessed:

“You shall have no other gods before [or besides] me.”— Exodus 20:3

This isn’t abstract theology. Israel had seen real power from Egypt’s gods. And those gods would continue to haunt them—tempting them in secret, drawing them back to spiritual adultery.

Stephen, just before his martyrdom, confronted Israel’s ongoing rebellion:

“Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt...But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven.”— Acts 7:39, 42

They brought Egypt’s gods with them into the wilderness.

Yahweh, Creator and Judge of All Gods

So Moses begins at the beginning: not with Egypt’s myths, but with Yahweh’s supremacy. Genesis is not just a book of origins; it’s a declaration of exclusive allegiance to the Most High God.

“For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,but the LORD made the heavens.”— Psalm 96:5

“The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish...It is He who made the earth by His power...”— Jeremiah 10:11–12

“You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host...and the host of heaven worships you.”— Nehemiah 9:6

Yahweh is not in the same category as the gods—He created them. Whether they are rebellious sons, fallen angels, or demons, Yahweh is above them all. He is the Elohim of elohim—the God of gods.

“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God...”— Deuteronomy 10:17

“Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries...”— Daniel 2:47

There may be many spiritual beings with power and influence, but none are eternal, uncreated, and sovereign like Yahweh. He alone is worthy of worship.

Genesis: The Battle for Allegiance

Genesis doesn’t begin with arguments against atheism or evolution. It begins with a bold claim: the God of gods made the heavens and the earth. He is all-knowing, eternal, and sovereign.

The flood, Babel, Abraham’s calling, and Joseph’s rise—all of it reveals a God who is unstoppable, holy, and utterly unique. No god, no kingdom, no scheme can stand against Him.

Genesis isn’t just the story of how the world began. It’s the story of how Yahweh claimed His people and began His cosmic war against the gods. The gods are real—but Yahweh is the Creator, not a peer. He stands alone in glory, power, and holiness.

And in the end, only one will stand.

The Battle Still Rages

The rebellious gods—whether fallen angels, demons, or other spiritual beings—haven’t disappeared. They are still at work. And their strategy hasn’t changed: to pull our trust and worship away from Yahweh.

But instead of magicians and golden calves, today they use screens, status, and self-gratification. The same false promises remain: "I will protect you. I will satisfy you. I will give you what you crave." Only now, they come through entertainment algorithms, social media echo chambers, and the American dream of comfort and control.

Genesis calls us to see the world as it really is: a battlefield of allegiance. Only one God created the heavens and the earth. Only one God stands above all powers. And only one God is worthy of your fear, your trust, and your worship.

But more than that—Yahweh is the God who keeps His promises. He doesn't trick you with power plays. He loves you. He gave His Son for you. His love is not a transaction—it’s a covenant. And it’s enough.

The satisfaction you're looking for? It’s found in Christ alone. He gives our lives purpose and meaning, not empty magic or false promises.

Genesis reminds us: these gods—these spiritual beings—want cheap praise for cheap tricks. But the God who gave His Son is the One we want to hide in our hearts, run to when hurting, and trust when we are scared.

Yahweh alone is the true God. Worship Him—and Him only.