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

In a few weeks, I will begin preaching through the book of Genesis, and I wish to offer some important perspectives as we approach not only Genesis but also the entire Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible.

Most people think the story begins in a garden, but for Israel, the narrative began in the desert. This is where they received this “library” of books, and it is here that we must learn to read them. Genesis was not written for individuals with clean slates or pristine theology. It was composed for a people just freed from Egypt, burdened by 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 remained there for centuries. During this prolonged period, they became deeply immersed 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.

When Moses writes Genesis, he is not providing them with new information; rather, he is restoring their true story. However, before Genesis, we are presented with Exodus—a book that provides the context for everything that follows.

The First Clash: A Prophet vs. the Gods

When Yahweh calls Moses to speak on His behalf, Moses does not enter a neutral space. He steps into a spiritual battlefield. His initial 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, one does not merely claim to speak for a god; one must substantiate that claim by demonstrating that god’s power. Thus, Yahweh prepares Moses to show power that surpasses that of 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

This marks our first battle of the gods. Yahweh makes His point abundantly clear: It was a spiritual cage match—and Yahweh made their gods into protein. From that moment onward, the plagues serve as public demonstrations of Yahweh’s absolute superiority over Egypt’s gods. These deities were indeed real spiritual powers; however, they were no match for Yahweh.

Judging the Gods

The final plague transcends mere concerns for Pharaoh or the people. It is cosmic in scope.

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

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

This divine confrontation continues throughout the Torah. God is not merely saving Israel from slavery; He is delivering them from the dominion of false gods.

A New Covenant for a New People

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

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

This is not abstract theology. Israel had witnessed real power from Egypt’s gods. These deities 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

Thus, Moses begins at the beginning: not with Egypt’s myths, but with Yahweh’s supremacy. Genesis is not merely a book of origins; it is 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 numerous 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 does not commence with arguments against atheism or evolution. It begins with a bold assertion: 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 these events reveal a God who is unstoppable, holy, and utterly unique. No god, no kingdom, no scheme can stand against Him.

Genesis is not merely the story of how the world began. It is the narrative of how Yahweh claimed His people and initiated His cosmic war against the gods. The gods are real; however, Yahweh is the Creator, not a peer. He stands alone in glory, power, and holiness. Ultimately, only one will prevail.

The Battle Still Rages

The rebellious gods—whether fallen angels, demons, or other spiritual beings—have not vanished. They continue to operate, and their strategy remains unchanged: to divert our trust and worship away from Yahweh.

However, instead of magicians and golden calves, today they employ screens, status, and self-gratification. The same false promises persist: "I will protect you. I will satisfy you. I will give you what you crave." Yet now, these promises manifest through entertainment algorithms, social media echo chambers, and the American dream of comfort and control.

Genesis calls us to perceive the world as it truly 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 deserving of your fear, your trust, and your worship.

Moreover, Yahweh is the God who keeps His promises. He does not deceive you with power plays. He loves you. He sacrificed His Son for you. His love is not a transaction—it is a covenant. And it is sufficient.

The satisfaction you seek? It is found in Christ alone. He provides our lives with purpose and meaning, not empty magic or false promises.

Genesis reminds us: these gods—these spiritual beings—desire cheap praise for cheap tricks. Yet the God who gave His Son is the One we wish 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.